Rodenberger Reviews Historic 2025 Cattle Market, Offers 2026 Outlook and Major Herd Dispersal Details
As 2025 wraps up and the cattle industry moves into 2026, Farm Director KC Sheperd caught up with Bob Rodenberger of Stockman’s Livestock Auction in Apache to review a year of historical highs and discuss what producers can expect in the coming months.
A Historic Year for Cattle Prices Reflecting on the past year, Rodenberger described the 2025 market as reaching “historical highs,” noting that the industry saw unprecedented gains.
“We went from a year ago today trading feeder cattle at $2.60 to $2.70, and by June, we were trading them at $3.80,” Rodenberger said. Even with a September market correction that shaved off some value, the market has rebounded significantly. “We’ve already got half of that back, and we are still $30 a hundred above where we ended 2025.”
Rodenberger emphasized that while the cow-calf operator remains in the driver’s seat, stocker operators have seen tighter margins due to higher calf costs. However, looking at the big picture, he noted that limited cattle supplies continue to support a strong market.
Genetics and Production Efficiency One of the most significant shifts Rodenberger has observed is the rapid advancement in genetics and beef production efficiency.
“In the last five years, I’ve seen genetics change more than in the 42 years I’ve been in this business,” Rodenberger said. He pointed out that modern production practices have pushed steer weights well beyond traditional expectations. “We’ve taken a fat steer from making him weigh 13 to 14 hundred, and these weigh 16 to 16-and-a-half now.”
2026 Outlook: Risk Management is Key. Looking ahead to 2026, Rodenberger remains optimistic but vigilant. He cited the potential opening of the Mexican border as a primary concern to watch, though he noted any impact on products hitting supermarkets would likely be a year away.
He also stressed the importance of risk management in today’s volatile environment, urging producers to use tools such as LRP (Livestock Risk Protection), puts, or hedging.
“If you’re not a gambler—and I know nobody likes that word—but basically a gambler and an eternal optimist… you ain’t in our business,” Rodenberger joked, adding that modern risk protection is essential for staying viable.
Upcoming Jack Sherry Dispersal Sale Rodenberger also highlighted a major opportunity for producers looking to expand or upgrade their herds: the Jack Sherry Dispersal Sale.
- Date: January 17th
- Time: 1:00 PM (Arrive early for a hamburger feed and to view cattle)
- Location: Stockman’s Livestock Auction, Apache, OK
- The Offering: Approximately 900 head of Angus-based Oklahoma ranch cows. The offering includes roughly 250 first-calf heifers, as well as cows ranging from second-calvers to eight and nine-year-olds. About 95% of the offering will be bred cows, with some pairs available.
“This will be as good a set of Angus-based Oklahoma ranch cows available,” Rodenberger said. “It is going to be a good deal for us and for anybody in the industry looking for replacement cows.”
For more information on the sale or to discuss marketing options, producers can contact Stockman’s Livestock Auction at 1-800-926-9696. You can also check out their facebook page to see videos of the upcoming sale.
