Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Extreme volatility and shifting trade policies continue to reshape North American cattle markets. In this week's Beef Market Update, Shaun Haney is joined by Anne Wasko of Gateway Livestock Exchange to unpack a tumultuous month for both cash and futures trade.
U.S. cash prices finally stabilized near $231 to $232 per cwt following a violent $30 drop within 30 days. Meanwhile, futures markets saw sharp corrections following news of a phased reopening at the US-Mexico border near Arizona. Wasko noted that while the reopening process will be gradual, the market reacted immediately to anticipate future supply increases. Economics and price differentials between Canada, the US, and Mexico will ultimately dictate cattle movement as cross-border protocols are finalized.
On the processing front, potential resolution of a labour dispute at Cargill’s Fort Morgan plant could restore needed slaughter capacity ahead of late-summer fed cattle marketings.
Underlying these fluctuations are exceptionally tight supply fundamentals. The USDA’s mid-year inventory report revealed the beef cow herd remains down 0.7%, with persistent drought across the western US hindering heifer retention. The 2026 calf crop is projected to drop by 500,000 head, bringing the total decline since the 2018 peak to 3.8 million head. Additionally, while cattle on feed numbers remain elevated, Wasko emphasized this is driven by reduced feedlot marketings rather than increased placements.
As the fall run approaches, feeders face complex decisions balancing grain costs, capital constraints, and 2027 futures expectations.
Website: realagriculture.com
#beef #cattle #ranching
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Extreme volatility and shifting trade policies continue to reshape North American cattle markets. In this week's Beef Market Update, Shaun Haney is joined by Anne Wasko of Gateway Livestock Exchange to unpack a tumultuous month for both cash and futures trade.
U.S. cash prices finally stabilized near $231 to $232 per cwt following a violent $30 drop within 30 days. Meanwhile, futures markets saw sharp corrections following news of a phased reopening at the US-Mexico border near Arizona. Wasko noted that while the reopening process will be gradual, the market reacted immediately to anticipate future supply increases. Economics and price differentials between Canada, the US, and Mexico will ultimately dictate cattle movement as cross-border protocols are finalized.
On the processing front, potential resolution of a labour dispute at Cargill’s Fort Morgan plant could restore needed slaughter capacity ahead of late-summer fed cattle marketings.
Underlying these fluctuations are exceptionally tight supply fundamentals. The USDA’s mid-year inventory report revealed the beef cow herd remains down 0.7%, with persistent drought across the western US hindering heifer retention. The 2026 calf crop is projected to drop by 500,000 head, bringing the total decline since the 2018 peak to 3.8 million head. Additionally, while cattle on feed numbers remain elevated, Wasko emphasized this is driven by reduced feedlot marketings rather than increased placements.
As the fall run approaches, feeders face complex decisions balancing grain costs, capital constraints, and 2027 futures expectations.
Website: realagriculture.com
#beef #cattle #ranching
Find us on our other social media platforms:
X/Twitter: twitter.com/realagriculture
Instagram: instagram.com/realagriculture
Facebook: facebook.com/realagmedia
