The sale and price of beef cattle (both purebred seedstock and commercial), of all classes and age has been healthy, resilient and vigorous to kick of the new year. Consider the following:
- The National Angus Bull sale held during the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City included 28 registered Angus bulls that sold at an average value of $22,276. Furthermore, EACH sale held during the Congress saw increased sale averages and/or total gross. Sales held during the Cattlemen’s Congress generated over $14 million in revenue.
- Included in that Congress total is the commercial female sale which included two year old pairs selling at an average of $5,350. Three year old cows, due to calve this spring averaging $4,500 and spring calving bred heifers averaging $4,261 per head. Seventy two head of open replacement heifers averaged $3,241/head.
- Last week, Northern Video livestock Auction included a group of 200 head of commercial Angus replacement heifers, weighing 810 pounds, with genetic merit scorecard information which sold for $411/cwt for an average of $3,329 per head.
- The Oklahoma weekly market reports for the first two weeks of 2026 indicates steady to increasing prices of calves and feeder cattle.
- Prices of Boxed Beef and Fed Cattle are firm as supplies remain tight even relative to the reduction in packing plant capacity.
Consumer demand for beef remains strong and beef carcass quality remains at an all-time high with beef consistently delivering a satisfying eating experience to consumers. In regard to the price of retail beef, (specifically, if there is a price point at which we meet consumer resistance), consider the following:
- Since 1980, the price of beef has increased 355%
- In comparison, during that same time, the price of Diesel fuel has increased 391%. Coca-Cola has increased 536%, Doritos 500% and the price coffee has increased 775%. The price of a John Deere tractor has increased almost 1,200% since 1980.
