USDA Projects 2027 Steer Prices Above 2026 & 2025 Levels

Summary

Podcast Summary: "USDA Projects 2027 Steer Prices Above 2026 & 2025 Levels"

Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast
Hosts: Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt & Rebecca "BEC" Wanner
Date: May 22, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise economic update for ranchers and livestock producers, focusing on the USDA’s newly released projections for steer prices through 2027. Host Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt highlights the implications of these record-high price forecasts and offers context for those navigating the Western cattle industry. The segment aims to inform working ranchers about critical market trends while promoting upcoming show segments on ranch management.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. USDA’s Steer Price Projections (00:50 - 02:17)

• 2027 Steer Price Forecasts:
  The USDA, in its May WASDE report, projects the 2027 average steer price will reach $254 per cwt (hundredweight), outpacing even the record highs expected in 2025 and 2026.
  • 2025: $224.37/cwt
  • 2026: $249.66/cwt
  • 2027: $254.00/cwt
• Year-over-Year Increases:
  • 2027 prices are $4.34 higher than 2026—a 1.7% increase.
  • Comparing 2027 to 2025, prices rise by $29.63/cwt, representing a 13.2% jump.
• Revised 2026 Forecast:
  • The 2026 projection was increased from $241.66 (April 2026 estimate) to $249.66 (May update), reflecting increased cattle supplies and strong cash market demand.
• Market Indicator Explained:
  • The steer price projections are for the “five area direct Total all grade steer price”—a key market benchmark.
• Implications:
  • Ranchers are encouraged to pay close attention to these bullish trends as they plan herd management, sales timing, and operational adjustments.
• Upcoming Full Program Teaser:
  • Listeners are invited to tune in to the weekend show for deeper discussions on grass management, fly control, and cow nutrition in drought conditions.

Notable Quote

"USDA is projecting 2027 steer prices above record 2026 and even 2025 levels... USDA projected the 2027 steer price at $2.54 per cwt compared to the 2026 projection of 249.66 and the 2025 annual average at 224.37."
– Ranch Channel Host, [00:50]

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2. Context for Ranchers: "The Sales Series" Preview (00:05 - 00:50)

• Announcement:
  • Tigger previews "The Sale Series," coming to ranchchannel.com, focusing on innovations, genetics, and the latest in livestock and ranching programs.
• Benefits:
  • Provides ranchers with stories from leading operations and insights on elevating herd quality through smart ranching practices.
• Message:
  • Whether you're "building, expanding, or fine-tuning your ranch," this content is framed as essential listening for those invested in the future of cattle raising.

Notable Quote

"We bring you the stories behind the operations and the vision behind the genetics and the focus that can elevate your herd."
– Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt, [00:26]

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3. Rural Marketplace Reminder (02:30–end)

• LivestockMarket.com Plug:
  • Brief reminder that LivestockMarket.com provides a central hub for buying and selling cattle and genetics, accessible via web, magazine, or mobile app.

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Historic Price Levels:
  "That puts 2027 prices $4.34 higher than the projected 2026 record average, an increase of 1.7%. Now when compared to 2025, the 2027 projection is $29.63 higher per cwt, representing a 13.2% increase."
  – Ranch Channel Host, [01:28]

• On Why Projections Changed:
  "USDA also raised its 2026 projection sharply, from 241.66 in April to 249.66 in May. That update due to higher expected cattle supplies and stronger recent cash market demand."
  – Ranch Channel Host, [01:48]

• Sign-off:
  "We cover grass management, flies and cow nutrition in a drought. Have a great weekend."
  – Ranch Channel Host, [02:17]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:05: Tigger introduces “The Sales Series” and discusses smart ranching innovations.
• 00:50: In-depth review of the USDA’s 2027 steer price projections.
• 01:48: Explanation for revised 2026 projections due to supply and demand factors.
• 02:17: Announcements of upcoming full show topics: grass management, fly control, cow nutrition.
• 02:30: Sponsored segment on LivestockMarket.com.

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Episode Takeaways

• Ranchers face a bullish market for steers through at least 2027, according to the latest USDA figures—information crucial for financial and operational planning.
• The industry is in a period of record-high prices, influenced by both supply increases and robust demand.
• Upcoming episodes will also provide timely advice on ranch management practices necessary for adapting to current conditions, such as drought.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead of market trends in the beef and ranching sector, with actionable information presented in a clear, accessible style by seasoned ranching experts.

Transcript

[Ranch Channel Host]

Your ranch it up Heard it here. Weekly recap is up right after this crew.

[Jeff Tigger Earhart]

This is Jeff Tigger Earhart. Check this out. Coming in 2026 ranchchannel.com proudly launches the Sale Series, your inside track to the world of livestock and ranching excellence. From elite bulls, heifers and horses to the land and equipment, products and programs shaping the future of agriculture. We bring you the stories behind the operations and the vision behind the genetics and the focus that can elevate your herd. Whether you're building, expanding or fine tuning your ranch, dive deeper into the innovations and livestock programs. Changing the game the Sales Series only on ranch channel.com where smart ranching starts.

[Ranch Channel Host]

USDA is projecting 2027 steer prices above record 2026 and even 2025 levels the May WASDE report provided the first official look at 2027 steer price projections, and USDA is forecasting prices even higher than the record levels expected for this year and the record prices seen last year. USDA projected the 2027 steer price at $2.54 per cwt compared to the 2026 projection of 249.66 and the 2025 annual average at 224 37. That puts 2027 prices $4.34 higher than the projected 2026 record average, an increase of 1.7% now when compared to 2025. The 2027 projection is $29.63 higher per cwt, representing a 13.2% increase. USDA also raised its 2026 projection sharply, from 241.66 in April to 249.66 in May. That update due to higher expected cattle supplies and stronger recent cash market demand. USDA steer price projections refer to the five area direct Total all grade steer price and that is your ranch. It up Heard it here Weekly Recap Tune in this weekend to the full program. We cover grass management, flies and cow nutrition in a drought. Have a great weekend.

[Livestock Market Announcer]

If you're buying or selling cattle, make your first stop. Livestockmarket.com Bred cows, heifers, pears, bulls and frozen genetics. Even feeder calves. You'll find them [e-mail] Livestock Market features private treaty sales, online auctions and live production sale bidding. You'll also find horses, sheep, goats and hay. Check out the free Livestock Market magazine wherever you pick up Tractor house and download the Livestock Market mobile app today.