Prepared and written by Jeff Swenson, DATCP Livestock and Meat Specialist. The Market Update draws information from several sources, including trade publications, radio broadcasts, agricultural news services, individuals involved in the industry as well as USDA NASS and AMS reports.
Negotiated cattle trade was over $2/cwt higher last week, with the Choice cutout value $3.70 higher to average $366.51. The higher bids have led to thoughts that prices could be higher through the end of summer as demand improves for Labor Day weekend grilling. This past week’s harvest was an estimated 509,000 head, 3,000 fewer than the previous week and 28,000 fewer than last year. June beef exports totaled 88,586 metric tons, 6% lower than a year ago. Export value was 3% higher. Export value was nearly steady to the Middle East but declined to Canada, China, and Mexico. For the first half of 2026, beef export volume was 9% lower than a year ago while value fell 4%. Beef export value equated to $414.97 per head of fed slaughter in June, up 6% from a year ago. The average for the first half of the year was $431.84 per head, up 5%. Exports accounted for 12.3% of total June beef production, down from 13.1% a year ago.
Fed Cattle
Fed cattle prices were steady last week. Top quality beef steers and heifers brought $227-$238/cwt. Some high-grading, high-yielding steers with an overnight stand sold from $238-$240/cwt. Mixed Choice and Select steers and heifers ranged from $202-$227/cwt. High-grading Holstein steers were steady, bringing $205-$220/cwt. Lower-grading steers brought $175-$205/cwt. Silage fed and under finished steers brought $95-$175/cwt. Dairy Beef cross steers were steady, bringing $210-$235 with some higher. Cows were mostly steady, bringing $119-$152/cwt with some selling into the $170s. Lower-yielding cows brought $55-$119/cwt. Doubtful health and thin cows brought up to $60/cwt. Dairy breed bull calves were steady, selling from $600-$1,500/head. Dairy breed heifer calves brought $200-$800/head. Beef and Beef Cross calves were steady from $800-$1,800/head. Light and lower-quality calves sold up to $60. Fed lambs over 100 pounds brought $200-$280/cwt with light lambs selling from $240-$295/cwt.
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