Georgia Beef Board Highlights Strong Cull Cow Market at Farm Bureau Convention
The Georgia Beef Board recently provided a detailed cattle market update during a breakout session at the Georgia Farm Bureau Convention. The discussion focused on broader economic conditions and, more specifically, the outlook for the cull cow market as producers head into winter and begin planning for 2026.
We caught up with Wyatt Doolittle with the Georgia Beef Board for more insight following the presentation.
“Had a great breakout session down there given a kind of general economic outlook and specifically what the coal cow market’s doing.”
According to Doolittle, cull cow markets have remained exceptionally strong throughout the fall months, largely due to tight supplies across the industry.
“Coal cow markets have stayed extremely strong this fall and the main reason for that is tight supply. Producers have been culling fewer cows overall and with the national herd size already at record low inventory numbers, we haven’t seen that normal seasonal increase of the fall run in non-fed slaughter that typically shows up this time of year.”
Another key factor supporting prices is producer behavior. Instead of marketing older cows immediately, many producers are choosing to add weight and improve condition before selling.
“Another factor helping to support the market is that more producers are choosing to feed coal cows through the winter either on pasture or in feedlots and while the white fat premium on older cows is at large, improving yield grades and adding weight can still add value which is keeping even more cows out of the market in the short term.”
Slaughter data further reinforces the tight supply situation.
“Over the past couple of months, cow and bull slaughter has been running about 9% below last year. While we expect slaughter numbers to rise a bit as winter progresses, supplies still remain too tight to fully meet that demand for lean beef.”
That demand is especially evident in wholesale markets.
“This demand is showing up very clearly in lean trimming prices instead of seeing the usual seasonal decline this time of year.”
Looking ahead, Doolittle emphasized that supply fundamentals are likely to continue supporting the market, but efficiency will remain critical for producers navigating higher costs and tighter margins.
“My takeaway for producers is that coal cow prices will remain well supported, supply continues to drive the market, and efficient cost management remains key as we move into 2026.”
The update offered producers a timely look at current conditions and reinforced the importance of strategic decision-making as the cattle industry moves forward.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.