Price Strength Continues in ’26

CattleFax is forecasting cattle prices to average steady to higher in 2026. The risk increases later in the year as markets anticipate larger supplies in 2027. Cow-calf producers are expected have the most leverage, supporting continued profitability for several more years. CattleFax expects all cattle prices to trade higher with 800-pound steers averaging $335 per hundredweight and 550-pound steer calves averaging $440 per hundredweight.