(SPRINGFIELD) The USDA’s livestock and poultry outlook shows beef production is expected to decline this year in 2026, although not as severely as last year. During the recent USDA Ag Outlook Forum, ag economists noted that the nation’s cattle herd has been in contraction since 2019, therefore cattle have been staying on feed longer, increasing dress weights and adding an element of support for production. USDA reported the number of cattle on feed as of February 1st totaled 11.5 million head, down 2% from a year ago. Placements into feedlots during January totaled 1.74 million head, down 5% and marketings of fed cattle were 1.63 million, down 13%.
