Key Takeaways:

Despite rising cost pressures — including the recent run-up in fuel and energy costs — U.S. cow-calf producers are facing another year of record-breaking revenues and net returns for 2026. Cost pressures — particularly non-feed variable costs — and drought remain the key risks to this otherwise rosy outlook. These financial incentives are encouraging an expansion of the beef cow herd, with heifer retention forecast to hit 3.4 percent in 2026. WPI advises clients that strong risk management on both costs and revenues is important this year to protect the massive margins the market is currently offering. 

Detailed Analysis As WPI readers likely know well, net returns and profits for Southern Plain...