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Beef prices are at record highs while the US cattle herd is at a record low, and consumer demand has stayed steady. New World screwworm has reappeared in northern Mexico, with more than 1,800 active cases reported by mid-May, close to the Texas border.
An outbreak in Texas could shrink the herd further and push beef prices higher.
A shrinking herd plus a possible screwworm outbreak keeps cattle supply tight, supporting live and feeder cattle prices and raising feedlot costs for buyers.
dallasfed.orgEthan Dixon, Mariam YousufMay 20, 2026After 148 past bullish disease events, Live Cattle moved a median +0.4% over 5 sessions (62% higher; middle half -0.5% to +1.2%), and +1.4% over 20.
After 122 past bullish disease events, Feeder Cattle moved a median +0.4% over 5 sessions (60% higher; middle half -1.0% to +1.6%), and +2.0% 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.
