# 2026 beef outlook: Tight supplies, highest demand since 1983

> Rabobank analysts expect fed cattle prices to rise $165 to $240 per head in 2026, with supplies the tightest in the cattle cycle. Beef prices fell 15% to 20% over the prior 60 days amid policy uncertainty and plant closures, while domestic beef demand is the highest since 1983.

- Date: 2025-12-17 · published 2025-12-17T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: market · region US · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/21457-2026-beef-outlook-tight-supplies-highest-demand-since-1983
- Commodities: [Live Cattle](https://feedsoft.ai/c/LCATTLE.md)

## Why it matters

Tight cattle supplies and strong beef demand support higher fed cattle prices, though the recent correction shows how sensitive prices are to policy headlines.

## Read by commodity

- LCATTLE: bullish ▲

## Sources

- farmprogress.com: https://www.farmprogress.com/cattle-news/2026-beef-outlook-tight-supplies-highest-demand-since-1983

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.