CattlePulse

Road Trip to Beef Cattle U

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400

CattlePulse is taking a road trip. This month, host Elijah Griles visits Virginia Tech for the third annual Virginia Beef Cattle University, where producers, students, industry professionals, and educators gathered to learn, network, and discuss some of the biggest issues facing the cattle industry today.

In this episode, Elijah sits down with Emily Bowman of the Virginia Beef Center of Excellence, University of Kentucky livestock economist Dr. Kenny Burdine, and Dr. M. Wayne Ayers of Elanco Animal Health to discuss cattle markets, profitability, drought, and the ongoing response to New World Screwworm.

In this episode:

Virginia Beef Cattle University brought together producers from Virginia and surrounding states for three days of workshops, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and industry discussions
Emily Bowman highlights the event's hands-on workshops, including meat science demonstrations, carcass evaluations, sensory panels, and producer-focused educational sessions
Dr. Kenny Burdine says cattle market fundamentals remain strong, with tight cattle supplies continuing to support profitability across the industry
Burdine encourages producers to think strategically about reinvesting profits through facility improvements, grazing infrastructure, genetics, debt reduction, and building working capital—not just herd expansion
Consumer demand remains a key market concern as beef prices stay high and competing proteins like pork and poultry may expand production more quickly than the cattle industry
Dr. Wayne Ayers explains the biology and threat of New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue in livestock and wildlife
As of the conference, Texas had confirmed 33 New World Screwworm cases, with control efforts focused on animal movement restrictions, producer vigilance, and the sterile insect technique
Producers are encouraged to educate themselves on New World Screwworm identification and pay close attention to wounds caused by procedures such as ear tagging, castration, injections, and branding
Virginia drought conditions worsened following the July heat wave, with 26% of the state classified in extreme drought, 40% in severe drought, and 32% in moderate drought
NOAA CPC's July outlook indicates a 50–60% chance of above-normal temperatures across most of Virginia, while precipitation chances remain near normal
Virginia feeder calf markets softened in June, with the six-market average for 500-pound steers at $455.10/cwt., down 1.3% from May
Limited pasture conditions and drought stress may be reducing buyer demand for backgrounding cattle despite historically strong cattle prices

Resources mentioned:

CattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

The Screwworm Is Back

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Feeder cattle futures took a sharp turn this month, as markets reacted to a major animal health development — and drought concerns continue to weigh on producers. In this episode, host Elijah Griles breaks down the New World Screwworm detection in Texas, what it means for markets and trade, and the latest Cattle on Feed report. Plus, Elijah shares an update on Virginia drought conditions and local cash markets.

In this episode:

Feeder cattle futures have been volatile — August at $349/cwt and September at $346/cwt, both down roughly 5% month-over-month before rebounding on news of a New World Screwworm detection
USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a Texas calf, triggering a 12-mile infestation zone and increased surveillance along with continued sterile fly dispersal
The May Cattle on Feed report showed 11.6 million head on feed, up 2% year-over-year — the first increase in 18 months, with placements up 6% and marketings down 10%
Drought is impacting more than 70% of the U.S. cattle herd, raising questions about expansion and increasing feed, hay, and water costs
Beef demand remains strong despite record prices — retail beef averaged $9.64/lb. in April, while demand is up 7% year-over-year and 39% over the past seven years
Virginia drought conditions persist: 25% of the state is in extreme drought and 59% in severe drought, with limited relief in the near-term climate outlook
Virginia feeder calf prices softened slightly — the six-market average came in at $461/cwt, down 1.7% from last month
Market outlook hinges on competing pressures: tighter supplies vs. drought-driven early sales and reduced buyer demand

Resources mentioned:

USDA APHIS updates on New World Screwworm
USDA Cattle on Feed Report (May 2026)
Livestock Market Information Center (LMIC) beef demand data
U.S. Drought Monitor
NOAA Climate Prediction Center outlook

Event mention:

Virginia Beef Cattle University — July 8–10

CattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

Enjoy It While It Lasts

Mon, 11 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Feeder cattle prices are at historic highs — but challenges are mounting. In this month's episode, host Elijah Griles breaks down the latest futures markets, unpacks what a softening choice-select spread could mean for beef demand, and shares drought conditions across the Commonwealth. Plus, Elijah talks with Gene Copenhaver, newly elected president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and a Washington County native at the Virginia Beef Expo.

In this episode:

Feeder cattle futures are trading in the low $370s, with May at $372, August at $373, and September at $371 — all up roughly 1% from a month ago
The April Cattle on Feed report showed 11.6 million head on feed as of April 1st, down 1% from a year ago, with placements down 7% and marketings down 6%
Heifers on feed came in at 37.3% — slightly above the 20-year average — with a downward trend over the last 2–3 years that may signal early heifer retention
The choice-select spread has narrowed significantly in 2026, hovering between $0–$10 and even turning negative at points, raising questions about softening consumer demand for higher-quality beef grades
80% of Virginia is in severe drought, with 18% of the state in extreme drought
Virginia feeder calf prices surged again — the six-market average for 500 lb. Medium & Large #1 steers hit $469/cwt, up 3.1% from last month, with Winchester approaching $500/cwt
NCBA President Gene Copenhaver shares his priorities: supporting the next generation of cattle producers, easing farm transition costs, and navigating the ongoing drought and border reopening questions

Resources mentioned:

Kenny Burdine's Cattle Market Notes weekly newsletter (University of Kentucky)
USDA Cattle on Feed Report (April 2026)
NOAA Climate Prediction Center May outlook
U.S. Drought Monitor
AgriStress helpline: call or text 833-897-2474

CattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

Fertilizer Prices and Product of the USA

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles talks with American Farm Bureau economist Bernt Nelson about whether fertlizer prices will come down as quickly as they went up and the benefits and risks of Product of the USA labeling.

For Market Intel's from American Farm Bureau, click here.

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