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Northwest cattle ranchers say the August tariff-reduced beef import deal cut the value of U.S. beef by nearly a dollar, with 500-pound calf prices falling from about $2,900 in June to $2,500 by mid-October. Record diesel prices have also squeezed margins.
Ranchers remain frustrated with the administration's policy.
Lower calf values and higher diesel costs reduce producer margins and could slow herd rebuilding, tightening feeder supply over time.
ijpr.orgAnna KingNov 1, 2026
spokanepublicradio.orgAnna King/Northwest Public BroadcastingNov 1, 2026After 90 past bullish policy events, ULSD / Diesel moved a median +1.4% over 5 sessions (66% higher; middle half -1.9% to +4.1%), and +0.1% over 20.
After 24 past bearish policy events, Feeder Cattle moved a median +0.3% over 5 sessions (54% higher; middle half -3.3% to +1.2%), and +0.5% over 20.
After 30 past bearish policy events, Live Cattle moved a median -0.8% over 5 sessions (43% higher; middle half -2.0% to +1.1%), and +0.9% 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.
