Dairy herd highest in three decades as beef markets boost returns
Calf values have skyrocketed, in part because of tight calf supplies but also due to the growing popularity of beef-on-dairy crossbreeding.
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Articles by Altin Kalo
New World Screwworm cases surge, yet reopening speculation persists
For the week ending April 18, 2026, there were 273 NWS cases reported within a 400-mile buffer zone from the US border.
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Fewer calves in the pipeline to sustain future beef supply
Market participants along the supply chain, feedlots, packers and retailers struggle to align fixed costs with the cattle supply
The calf crop in 2025 weighed in at 32.9 million head, 1.6% lower than the previous year.
Lower cattle slaughter expected both in short and medium term
US cattle numbers are likely to remain limited well into 2028.
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US cattle slaughter likely to fall further in the coming year
Fewer heifers are expected to flow into feedlots in 2026.
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In the beef market, the higher the peak, the deeper the valley
Shifting market dynamics position packers to gain leverage over feedlots.
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As cattle markets consolidate, importance of risk management rises
Paper profits create excitement but also fear when the market starts to turn.
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As summer tailwinds fade, fat trim braces for correction
Because fat trim is far less valuable than lean, a rising fat percentage pressures the cutout value.
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Consumers’ growing emphasis on taste and convenience underpins beef demand and cattle prices
Taste and freshness now surpass price as the most important factors influencing consumers' beef purchases.
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Cattle supply pipeline continues to shrink
There are fewer cattle, and supply will need to get smaller if we have any shot at recovery down the road.
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