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A Los Angeles Times article reported the US cattle herd has shrunk to its smallest level since the early 1950s, pushing beef prices to record highs. Droughts and higher production costs, including elevated interest rates, are cited as causes.
A historically small herd keeps beef and cattle prices elevated, with drought and borrowing costs limiting producer rebuilding.
latimes.comEnda Curran and Ilena Peng Feb. 17, 2026 5:30 AM PTFeb 17, 2026After 268 past bullish report events, LCATTLE moved a median +0.3% over 5 sessions (58% higher; middle half -0.7% to +1.4%), and +1.7% over 20.
After 227 past bullish report events, FCATTLE moved a median +0.4% over 5 sessions (57% higher; middle half -1.2% to +1.5%), and +1.1% 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.
