by HANNAH BAKER, UF/IFAS Extension, Beef & Forage Economics
This article is a summary of the Annual Florida Cattle Market Report that is put together at the beginning of each year. The purpose of the report is to summarize the different sectors of the cattle and beef industries to provide an outlook for the year. To access the full report, please visit https://rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu/about/directory/staff/hannah-baker/ or scan the QR code to find the report under “Annual Report Summaries.”
On January 30, the USDA released the much-anticipated Cattle Inventory Report. All cattle and calves in the U.S. totaled at 86.2 million head, down 0.4 percent from last year. This year, 2026, will mark year 12 of the current cycle and could possibly be the bottom. But we will not know for sure until the January 2027 Inventory report. The national beef cow herd totaled at 27.6 million head, down 1 percent from 2025.
The number of heifers intended for beef cow replacement increased by 0.9 percent year over year to 4.7 million head, alluding to small efforts towards heifer retention but not a significant shift. These heifers will likely be replacing cull cows in 2026, painting a picture of stabilization.
In Florida,
- Total cattle inventory increased by 20,000 head (1.3%) to 1.58 million head
- Beef cow numbers increased by 7,000 head (0.8%) to 872 ,000 head
- Dairy cow numbers increased by 3,000 head (3.1%) to 98,000 head
- Florida ranks 9th in the United States in terms of beef cow numbers
Following a 3,000-head increase in 2025, Florida beef producers appear to be moving towards herd stabilization but are still slow-moving in rebuilding through heifer retention. The number of heifers intended for beef cow replacements in Florida was unchanged from 2025 at 115,000 head. Forage availability, input costs, a heifer’s long-term projected returns, and consumer demand will all be factors that affect the rate of heifer retention.
As of January 30, average prices for Florida calves are 59% higher than they were last year and 76% higher than in 2024. Cull cow prices have increased by 27% since last year. When significant heifer retention does begin, prices will be expected to rise as less feeder cattle will be available.
Other factors such as the high percentage of heifers on feed, the closure of the Mexico border, large reductions in beef cow slaughter, and strong consumer demand all play a role in the outlook for 2026 and are discussed in the annual report. Some key takeaways as we head into 2026 include:
- Supplies are tight and demand is strong, resulting in high cattle and beef prices.
- Input costs are also high, so efficient and proactive management remains vital even in a high market.
- The outlook is favorable for cow-calf producers and presents an opportunity to invest in making changes that may improve long-term productivity and profitability.