Beef Import Delays & Current Feeder and Stocker Cattle Prices

Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast
Episode: Beef Import Delays & Current Feeder and Stocker Cattle Prices
Date: May 15, 2026
Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner
Main Focus:
This episode discusses recent delays in U.S. beef import policy changes, how those delays are affecting beef prices, and a detailed look at current feeder and stocker cattle prices in the marketplace. Tigger and BEC provide market insights aimed at the ranching and cattle community.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Beef Import Policy Updates & Market Impact

• Presidential Action Delayed: The hosts report that President Donald Trump has postponed signing executive orders that would increase beef imports and support the renewal of the U.S. cattle herd.

  • Quote:

    "Earlier in the week, President Donald Trump delayed the planned signing of executive orders to allow increased beef imports in the United States and to support renewal of the US Cattle herd in an effort to address high beef prices."
    — BEC [00:32]

• Recent Policy History:

  • In October, Trump ordered a quadrupling of beef imports from Argentina.
  • In November, he removed a 40% punitive tariff on beef and coffee from Brazil.
  • These policy moves did not significantly reduce beef prices.

• Market Data & Price Impact:

  • Beef prices rose by 12.1% year-over-year in April (source: U.S. Labor Department CPI).
  • Since Trump’s return to office in January 2025, beef is more than 16% more expensive.
  • The USDA projects U.S. beef imports to reach a record 5.8 billion pounds in 2026, up 6% from 2025 and 25% from 2024.
    • Quote:

      "The U.S. department of Agriculture has projected that the country will import a record 5.8 billion pounds of beef this year... up about 6% from 2025 and up 25% from 2024."
      — BEC [01:29]

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2. Feeder & Stocker Cattle Prices – Midwest Market Recap

• Strong Prices Nationwide:

  • Feeder and grass cattle are achieving high prices across the country, especially noted at Stockman's Livestock Exchange in Dickinson, North Dakota.
  • Optimism & Demand:

    "Strong demand and optimism rang through the barn..."
    — BEC [01:54]

• Specific Sale Highlights: (Detailed cattle weights and sale prices)

  • 584 lb steers (black/black white face): $502/cwt
  • 612 lb steers (black/black white face): $500/cwt
  • 727 lb steers (black white face, 100 head): $444/cwt
  • 852 lb steers (black white face, 131 head): $380/cwt
  • 642 lb heifers (black/black white face, 70 head): $416.50/cwt
  • 726 lb heifers (charolais red Angus cross, 48 head): $369.50/cwt

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3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Beef Prices Not Cooling:

  “The moves did little to reverse beef prices which were up 12.1% year over year in April... more than 16% more expensive than when Trump returned to office in January of 2025.”
  — BEC [00:56]

• Insightful Market Tone:

  “Feeder and grass cattle continue to command bell ringing prices across the country... strong demand and optimism rang through the barn...”
  — BEC [01:47]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Beef import delays and executive order context | 00:32 | | Recent history of U.S. beef import policy | 00:40 | | U.S. beef prices and inflation impact | 00:56 | | USDA record beef import projection | 01:29 | | Feeder and stocker cattle price highlights | 01:47 |

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Quick Market Recap (Quote)

“That is your Ranch It Up Heard it here Weekly Recap. Have a great weekend.”
— BEC [02:25]

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Overall Takeaways

• Beef Prices Remain High: Despite policy attempts, beef prices have continued to increase, driven by domestic and global supply dynamics.
• Record Imports Projected: U.S. beef imports are at an all-time high, with significant year-over-year growth.
• Cattle Market is Hot: Feeder and stocker cattle prices remain robust, reflecting strong market demand and optimism among ranchers.

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Perfect for ranchers and cattle producers seeking a fast, insightful market snapshot with context on the evolving policy landscape and what it means for your operation.

Transcript

[A]

Your ranch it up Heard it here.

[B]

Weekly recap is up right after this.

[A]

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[B]

comes Alive earlier in the week, President Donald Trump delayed the planned signing of executive orders to allow increased beef imports in the United States and to support renewal of the US Cattle herd in an effort to address high beef prices. Last October, Trump ordered a quadrupling of beef imports from Argentina and then a month later removed his his 40% punitive tariff on Brazilian beef and coffee. The moves did little to reverse beef prices which were up 12.1% year over year in April that according to the Labor Department's Consumer Price Index, beef is more than 16% more expensive than when Trump returned to office in January of 2025. The U.S. department of Agriculture has projected that the country will import a record 5.8 billion pounds of beef this year with that's up about 6% from 2025 and up 25% from 2024. Feeder and grass cattle continue to command bell ringing prices across the country. Last week. Stockman's Livestock Exchange in Dickinson, North Dakota was no exception. Strong demand and optimism rang through the barn as a group of black and black white faced steers weighing 584 brought 502. A group of black and black white faced steers weighing 612 came in at five bucks. That's over 3,000 bu. Not done yet. Here are a hundred head of black white faced steers weighing 727 bringing 444. 131 head of black whiteface steers weighing 852 sold for 380. Same excitement for the heifer mates. 70 head of black and black whiteface heifers weighing 642 brought 416 and a half. Here's 48 head of charolay red Angus cross heifers weighing 726 bringing 369.5.

[A]

And that is your ranch it up Herd it here.

[B]

Weekly Recap have a great weekend.

[C]

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