(SPRINGFIELD) Livestock markets in 2025 have been more favorable than recent years compared to crop markets, but a high price environment does not mean producers should ease up on risk management. University of Illinois Ag Economists point to the cattle industry where several years of drought have drastically cut domestic beef supplies and border closures due to New World Screwworm have interfered with imports, pushing prices higher. The USDA reports an estimated 11.7 million head of cattle on feed as of December 1st, down 2% from last year. Placements in feedlots, at 1.6 million head, declined 11% while marketing of fed cattle, at 1.52 million head, were down 12% from a year ago. Despite slow progress to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd, beef markets experienced some downward price movements in 2025 and recently fell from the peaks seen this past September.
