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Packinghouse data shows heifer slaughter fell more than 11 percent year-over-year through the first three quarters of 2026, more than twice the drop in steers. Dairy cow numbers reached a 34-year high.
Producers in some regions are selling heifers to upgrade herds while feedlots still hold many heifers.
Lower heifer slaughter indicates retention to rebuild the beef herd, which tightens near-term cattle supply and supports cattle prices. Higher dairy cow numbers add a separate supply source for culled dairy beef.
cheyennegazette.comSimon BennettNov 14, 2026After 269 past bullish report events, Live Cattle moved a median +0.3% over 5 sessions (58% higher; middle half -0.7% to +1.4%), and +1.7% over 20.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.
