From record demand to border disruptions - here's what's shaping the red hot cattle sector

"Strong cattle prices, record beef demand, and renewed policy attention are giving the North American cattle sector reasons for optimism - but supply constraints and cross-border issues remain front and centre, says Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). RealAgriculture's Shaun Haney was at CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, this week, to discuss the state of the cattle industry, trade relationships, and the policy challenges shaping the years ahead."

"Woodall says today's demand environment is being driven by quality and consistency rather than price alone. "We are producing the highest quality beef that we have ever produced in the history of beef production on the globe," he says, noting that consumers continue to choose beef because of flavour, versatility, and eating experience - even as retail prices remain elevated."

"Despite strong fundamentals, herd expansion remains constrained by drought across key U.S. regions. "We want to grow our herd," Woodall says, "but until we have some sustained moisture, it's going to be tough." That tight supply picture has implications across North America, including Canada, where feeder and backgrounding operations are closely tied to U.S. market signals."

Strong cattle prices and record beef demand are supporting optimism across the North American cattle sector while supply constraints and cross-border issues remain prominent. Demand is being driven by quality and consistency, with consumers choosing beef for flavour, versatility, and eating experience despite elevated retail prices. Herd expansion is constrained by drought in key U.S. regions, limiting growth until sustained moisture returns and affecting Canadian feeder and backgrounding operations tied to U.S. market signals. Trade policy and the USMCA are viewed as critical to integrated markets. Border disruptions from New World screwworm and limited sterile fly production capacity expose cross-border cattle movements.

Read at Realagriculture