Livestock Marketing Information Center
In The Cattle Markets
Updated: 11/2/2026
Beef Demand Growth & Fed Cattle Marketing Evolution: Nothing Happens in a Vacuum
As 2026 nears conclusion, it is worth noting the beef-cattle sector did not get where it is today by coincidence. A myriad of inner-industry adjustments, and corresponding market signals developing over decades, are foundational to the industry’s situation.
Livestock Monitor
Updated: 11/6/2026
BEEF IMPORTS HIGHER, EXPORTS LOWER
Beef imports continue to track higher through the first three quarters of the year. From January to September, total beef imports are up 734 million pounds (+18%) to just over 4.9 billion pounds. Australia and Brazil continue to be the top suppliers of beef to the U.S. Through the first three quarters of the year, beef imports from Australia totaled more than 1.1 billion pounds, up 166 million pounds (+17%). Year-to-date through September, beef imports from Brazil have risen 144 million pounds (+17%) to 1.0 billion pounds. Imports from Canada totaled 753 million pounds though September, up 12 million pounds (+2%). Mexico has shipped more beef to the U.S. through the first nine months of the year, rising 110 million pounds (+22%) to 603 million pounds. Imports from New Zealand are up 41 million pounds (+9%) to 514 million pounds. Through September, these five countries accounted for 81% of total U.S. beef imports.
FEEDER CATTLE RECEIPTS
Feeder cattle receipts provide valuable insights into how the fall marketing season is developing. The USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service indicates that auction and direct receipts averaged approximately 255,587 head per week during October’s reporting period. This was a 62.3% increase from September. Furthermore, October’s average weekly auction and direct receipts increased 7.6% from October 2025, reflecting stronger movement during the fall marketing season. This followed a September weekly average that was down -17.1% compared to the same month last year. The three-week average ending October 30th was up 4.3% compared to the same period last year. This increased movement is consistent with the fall marketings of spring-calves with October’s share of calves weighing 600lbs or less representing 57.4% of auction receipts, a +28.8% increase relative to September.
AFRICAN SWINE FEVER AND U.S. PORK EXPORTS
According to the USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service’s (FAS) October 2026 Livestock and Poultry: World Markets and Trade report, two developments have shaped global pork trade this year: Spain’s African Swine Flu (ASF) detection in November 2025 and larger-than-expected hog slaughter in China as producers reduced their herds. Spain confirmed ASF in a wild boar nearly a year ago; prior to this detection, Spain had not detected ASF within its borders since 1994. Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan quickly halted Spanish pork imports, and those restrictions remain in place. Even so, FAS notes that Spain’s pork production kept climbing through June 2026, with more product moving to other EU member states. Spain also increased shipments to South Korea, Vietnam, and the U.S.
