Beef Market Outlook 2026

Southeastern U.S. Cattle Market Outlook for 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, cattle markets remain underpinned by some strong national fundamentals, but regional conditions — including herd dynamics, grazing opportunities, and local demand patterns — will shape how Southeastern producers experience prices and marketing opportunities.

1. Tight Supplies Support Prices — Including in the Southeast

Across the U.S., cattle inventories remain near historic lows, a carryover from years of herd contraction and drought-induced liquidation in key ranching states. National forecasts project tight cattle supplies and continued strong domestic beef demand into 2026 — factors that help keep prices elevated compared with historical averages.

Here in the Southeast, calf and feeder cattle prices have already reflected that trend, with local auction markets showing firm demand for well-conditioned calves and cull cows. For cow–calf producers and backgrounders in Tennessee, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama, this points toward continued strength in feeder cattle markets, especially for uniform, preconditioned calves backed by good health and management records.

Where pasture conditions allow, some producers may benefit from retaining calves slightly longer to add weight — but that decision remains highly dependent on forage availability and feed costs.

2. National Prices Likely to Stay Strong, With Possible Moderation

While national forecasts suggest cattle prices in 2026 may ease slightly from the peaks of late 2025, most projections still place them above recent long-term averages. For Southeastern producers, the degree of moderation may depend on:

• seasonal marketing windows

• regional feed costs

• local buyer competition

Because regional sale barn prices can move differently than national averages, producers should track both futures markets and local feeder price trends when planning marketing decisions.

3. Global & Trade Influences Still Matter Regionally

Even though most Southeastern calves ultimately enter domestic feedlot systems, export trends still influence regional price strength. Changes in global demand, currency values, or export policy can affect packer margins and downstream feeder bids.

Producers should keep global developments on their radar — even when markets feel local.

4. Weather, Forage & Stocking Decisions Play a Bigger Role in the Southeast

Weather patterns in the Southeast often drive short-term price behavior more than in many western regions.

Key factors to watch include:

• winter forage and small-grain grazing conditions

• drought-related sell-offs or retention decisions

• pasture capacity for backgrounding or retained ownership

Good grazing conditions generally provide more marketing flexibility — while tight forage years may push more calves to market earlier and increase seasonal price pressure.

5. Regional Risk Management & Marketing Strategy

With strong but potentially volatile price levels ahead, Southeastern producers may benefit from:

• timing calf sales to match stronger seasonal demand

• grouping and preconditioning calves to capture value-added premiums

• evaluating retained-ownership or backgrounding opportunities when forage is available

• considering price-risk tools where appropriate

Even in strong markets, disciplined planning remains important.

Bottom Line for Southeastern Producers

• Prices in 2026 are expected to remain historically favorable, even if slightly softer than late-2025 highs.

• Well-managed, documented calves continue to command premium interest.

• Regional forage conditions and marketing timing will strongly influence returns.

👉 For personalized guidance on herd-level marketing strategy, value-added programs, and market planning support for your operation, producers are encouraged to contact Washington County Veterinary Service an Tri State Vet Supply.

17455 Skyking Dr.

Abingdon, VA  24210

276-628-6861

Turning the Page

Dear Friends,

For those of you who have not already heard, Dr. Jacob Haught has decided to ride off into the sunset and retire from Washington County Veterinary Service and veterinary practice.  Dr. Haught joined Dr. Harry Price to form Washington County Veterinary  Service fifty one years ago.  A few years later they spun off the product and medical supply side of the business to form Tri State Vet Supply.  Dr. Haught has since worked tirelessly to build the practice and provide high quality veterinary  products and services to our clients and their animals.  We would like to wish Dr. Haught some well deserved time off for rest and relaxation, but we know that won’t happen as he will likely stay busy on his farm and taking care of the home front.

We aim to keep up the tradition of quality veterinary care and service that our clients have come to expect.   To that end we will be refining our processes, upgrading and expanding the scope of our service, and hopefully recruiting new veterinarians to help usher  this practice into the future.

Lastly and most importantly, we would like to thank you for your past and future patronage.  Because of great clients who use and value our services we can continue to be here to support the health and well being of farms, animals, and the agriculture community

Our veterinarians, Dr. Sam Clark, Dr. Jarred Darnell, and Dr. Tom Van Dyke and our support staff, Terri Osborne, Amy Garrett, and Carla Williams wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

 The Washington County Veterinary Service and Tri State Vet Supply team

Shortage of Farm Animal Vets!

The Growing Shortage of Farm Animal Veterinarians in the U.S.

The U.S. is facing a critical shortage of veterinarians specializing in farm animals, a problem with far-reaching consequences for agriculture, public health, and food security. Despite the essential role they play in ensuring the health and welfare of livestock, the number of farm animal veterinarians is declining, especially in rural areas.

One of the primary reasons for this shortage is the significant financial burden associated with veterinary education. Veterinary students often graduate with substantial debt, averaging over $150,000. Many choose higher-paying jobs in urban areas or companion animal practices, leaving fewer professionals willing to serve rural communities where farm animal care is in high demand.

Additionally, the demanding nature of the work—long hours, physically strenuous tasks, and travel to remote farms—discourages new graduates from pursuing this field. This creates a vacuum in areas critical to the livestock industry, jeopardizing animal health and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

The shortage also impacts farmers, who face longer wait times for veterinary care, potentially leading to higher mortality rates and reduced productivity in livestock. Furthermore, the lack of veterinarians threatens public health, as these professionals play a vital role in monitoring and controlling zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Financial incentives, such as loan forgiveness programs, can encourage more veterinarians to work in underserved areas. Increasing awareness about the importance of farm animal veterinary care and enhancing rural infrastructure are also essential steps in attracting and retaining talent in this critical field.

As the backbone of the agricultural economy, farm animal veterinarians are indispensable. Their diminishing numbers call for urgent action to ensure the sustainability of U.S. agriculture and the safety of the nation's food supply.