Texas A&M AgriLife reports cattle inventory could indicate beef prices could rise soon

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Texas A&M AgriLife has shared that the low cattle herd population may result in higher beef prices soon.

According to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture cattle inventory, the U.S. beef herd has yet to turn the corner.

Texas A&M AgriLife said that nationally, the number of beef cows dropped just over 1%. In Texas, the nation’s largest beef‑producing state, cow numbers dipped by about 30,000.

AgriLife economists estimate that beef herd numbers signal a slow rebuild as the rebuild process appears far more measured than past post‑drought recoveries.

Texas A&M AgriLife said that the rebuild process is costing some ranchers high prices to weigh short‑term returns against long‑term herd growth.

AgriLife said that margins should remain strong for cow-calf producers, potentially even better than last year, supported by lower feed costs and sustained demand, but the year’s outlook for Texas will hinge heavily on how the drought evolves.

Read more on cattle populations and potential beef prices in “Texas beef herd signals higher prices ahead for producers and consumers” by Adam Russell.