Livestock economists are not expecting much change in next year’s cattle market.
Experts are Rabobank say producers are holding back replacement heifers as they continue fighting drought and high feed prices. Right now, researchers are focused on studying total female cattle slaughter numbers, and they estimate 2022 will end with 17.6 million head of cows and heifers slaughtered. They warn those numbers could have long-lasting implications, including sacrificing gains in next year’s cow herd.
Without better precipitation over the winter and into next spring, researchers say the pattern will likely continue into 2024’s cow herd.
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U.S. cattle on feed totaled 11.1 million head on August 1, up 2 percent from 2025, while July placements fell 11 percent to a record low.
Farmers should monitor the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger and conditions along the Mississippi River and Panama Canal as they plan for harvest.
Analysts are watching global oil flows as demand increases.
Anhydrous prices are still 27 percent higher than a year ago.
Persistent losses and tight cattle supplies are forcing beef packers to reduce processing capacity.
President Donald Trump said the imported beef will be sold at 25 percent below current market prices.
