CattlePulse

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 detectionUSDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a Texas calf, triggering a 12-mile infestation zone and increased surveillance along with continued sterile fly dispersalThe 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 costsBeef 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 yearsVirginia drought conditions persist: 25% of the state is in extreme drought and 59% in severe drought, with limited relief in the near-term climate outlookVirginia feeder calf prices softened slightly — the six-market average came in at $461/cwt, down 1.7% from last monthMarket outlook hinges on competing pressures: tighter supplies vs. drought-driven early sales and reduced buyer demandResources mentioned:USDA APHIS updates on New World ScrewwormUSDA Cattle on Feed Report (May 2026)Livestock Market Information Center (LMIC) beef demand dataU.S. Drought MonitorNOAA Climate Prediction Center outlookEvent mention:Virginia Beef Cattle University — July 8–10Register at: vabeefcattleu.comCattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

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.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode?Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles unpacks USDA's cattle inventory report, focusing on a significant increase in beef replacement heifers in Virginia. He also details another record month for Virginia feeder steers, despite winter storms cancelling sales.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles unpacks the implications of the late arriving Cattle on Feed report and the effects of Tyson's packing plant closure announcement. He also explores how Virginia cash markets follow seasonal trends.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles explores how New World Screwworm Fly related import controls are changing midwestern cattle feeding dynamics. Elijah also does a deep dive into the difference between beef demand and the quantity of beef demanded.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles sits down with Dr. Josh Maples from Mississippi State University to unpack the July Cattle Inventory report and explore what it means for producers. With feeder cattle futures hitting all-time highs, Elijah and Dr. Maples discuss actionable strategies cow-calf producers can consider to manage price risk.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

In this month’s episode, host Elijah Griles breaks down the record-setting feeder cattle prices driven by tight national inventories and strong seasonal demand. He also discusses the impact of the New World screwworm fly on U.S. cattle imports and what it could mean for Virginia producers. Plus, Halifax County cow-calf producer Adam Davis shares how he’s using genetic data to improve herd performance.Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com.

On this episode, Elijah Griles explains the current tariff situation and details its impacts on Virginia cattle producers. He also discusses the implications of March's Cattle on Feed report and details the latest record-breaking feeder cattle auction prices.Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com.

On this episode, Elijah discusses the continued contraction of the cattle inventory with American Farm Bureau Economist, Bernt Nelson. He also unpacks the impacts of inflation on January's record high feeder steer prices. Want to read more about the cattle inventory report? Check out Bernt's Market Intel here: Cattle Inventory Continues Contraction.Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com.

On this episode, Elijah unpacks the implications of the detection of the parasitic New World Screwworm fly in a Mexican cow. He also visits with Shenandoah County cattle feeder Nathaniel Dirting.For those in need of assistance or wanting to donate in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene please visit:Virginia Cattlemen's Association Relief FundVirginia Farm Relief FundVirginia Cooperative Extension Hurricane Helene Resource PageDo you have questions, comments or suggestions for Elijah? Contact him at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com.