Corn prices gapped higher out of the weekend and extended gains on Monday morning. The rally was driven by robust export sales data, with old crop sales reaching 102% of the USDA projection, and lagging harvest progress in Brazil and Argentina tightening global supply expectations.
Cattle Price Trend Analysis 2026: Market Insights, Latest News, Historical Prices, Supply Demand Analysis & Price Drivers
Written ByPragati Agarwal
Cattle Price Trend H1 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | China | FOB | USD 4,292.39/KG | May 2026 |
| Cattle | India | FOB | USD 9,497.92/KG | May 2026 |
| Cattle | USA | FOB | USD 5,555.65/KG | May 2026 |
| Cattle | Brazil | FOB | USD 4,722.30/KG | May 2026 |
| Cattle | Australia | FOB | USD 4,480.34/KG | May 2026 |
| Cattle | China | FOB | USD 4263/KG | April 2026 |
| Cattle | India | FOB | USD 9231/KG | April 2026 |
| Cattle | USA | FOB | USD 5,335/KG | April 2026 |
| Cattle | Brazil | FOB | USD 4,535/KG | April 2026 |
| Cattle | Australia | CIF | USD 4,303/KG | April 2026 |
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- Global cattle prices remained firm in H1’26 as tight herd availability across key producing regions kept supply below processor needs.
- Feed and operating costs remained elevated due to fuel, fertilizer, freight, and energy risks linked to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption.
- Downstream beef demand stayed supportive, with packers competing for limited cattle availability despite higher replacement costs.
North American cattle prices remained firm in H1’26, led by tight U.S. supply and steady processor demand. USDA reported 86.2 million cattle and calves on U.S. farms as of January 1, 2026, with beef cows at 27.6 million head, down 1.0%, the calf crop at 32.9 million head, down 2.0%, and cattle on feed at 13.8 million head, down 3.0% from 2025. Cattle and feeder cattle values remained supported as slaughter availability remained limited. In Canada, supply also stayed tight, and processors continued to compete for available cattle. Upstream pressure came from feed grains, fuel, fertilizer, and freight, with the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure lifting energy and shipping-risk premiums. Downstream demand from beef processors, retailers, and foodservice buyers remained firm, allowing cattle prices to hold at elevated levels.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, cattle prices are expected to stay firm as herd rebuilding remains slow. Any easing would likely depend on improved cattle availability, lower feed costs, or weaker beef demand.
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Corn futures rose on Monday, supported by a USDA-reported private export sale of 100,000 MT to Colombia for the 2026/27 season. Strong weekly export inspections and speculative buying from managed money funds provided additional upward momentum.
Live cattle futures saw broad weekly losses with cash trade settling lower across regions. Boxed beef prices also declined, while fund positions were reduced, adding to the bearish tone. Weekly slaughter rates fell short of year-ago levels.
Live cattle futures continued their steep decline, hitting a four-month low as technical selling persisted. Cash cattle trade fell sharply from the prior week, and boxed beef values softened amid lighter summer demand and economic headwinds affecting consumer spending.
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About the Author
Pragati Agarwal
Senior Business Insights Analyst
Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.
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