In Photo: Junio Brahman bulls in the Victa Ranch of Mexico, Pampanga.
Bright Prospects For Cattle Farming In 2026 As Global Production Drops By 1.5% & US Beef Prices Hit $9/Lb!
Cattle Farming, whether commodity breeds like Brahman and Hybrids or the Premium Wagyu, offers the best opportunities for Filipino farmers for 2026 because of a projected shortage of Beef Supply worldwide.
Unlike Hog and Chicken Farming which are threatened by diseases like African Swine Fever and Avian Influenza and incoherent government policies on importation, Beef will be in great demand because of the global shortfall.
With the introduction of modern Cattle Farming in confined areas or Feedlots and the development of Silage Production Technology using Corn, Sorghum and Napier, breeding, raising and fattening Cattle has become a more attractive option for farmers.
Locally, live Cattle prices have shot up to P200 per kilo.
Worldwide, here is an AI-generated information on Beef Demand, Production and Prices:
“Beef prices are projected to remain high or increase further in 2026 globally, driven by tight cattle supplies from ongoing herd liquidations in major producers like the U.S. and Brazil, alongside strong consumer demand, particularly in the U.S. where high demand from millennials and Gen Z, plus diets influenced by weight-loss drugs, are key factors. Forecasts suggest continued high prices, with potential for U.S. fed cattle prices to average $235-$240/cwt and retail prices around $9/lb to become common, despite market volatility.
“Key Factors Influencing 2026 Prices:
Supply Constraints: The U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest since the 1950s, and producers are liquidating, delaying herd rebuilding. Brazil, another major supplier, also faces shrinking cattle numbers.
Strong Demand: U.S. consumer demand remains robust, supported by younger consumers prioritizing fresh foods and the trend towards high-protein diets.
“Global Production: Global beef production is forecast to decline by about 1.5% in 2026, with reductions expected in the U.S., EU, Brazil, and Australia, offsetting gains in Canada, India, Mexico, and New Zealand.
“Projections for Key Markets:
United States: Fed cattle prices are projected to rise to $235-$240/cwt, with retail prices of $9/lb becoming common.
Europe (UK/Ireland): Continued tightness in supply is expected to drive finished cattle prices up by around 5% in 2026 compared to 2025.
“Outlook:
Expect elevated beef prices throughout 2026, with potential for further increases due to the ongoing cattle cycle, while producers struggle with high input costs. A significant rebound in supply and lower prices is not anticipated until herd rebuilding efforts show substantial results, likely pushing the peak price period further into the late decade.”
With this very positive projections for Cattle Farming, I believe that the right route for Filipino farmers to take now is to venture into Confined Cattle Breeding, Raising and Fattening.
#ReadingMarketProjections!
#FarmingIsCommonSense!
