03/24/2026
To all the cattle producers out there—
The work you’re doing right now is the backbone of this industry, and while the "market" can feel like a rollercoaster, there is plenty of reason to keep your head up.
-Why the Market is Volatile Right Now-
If you feel like the ground is shifting under your feet, it’s because it is. We are currently in a "Beef Super-Cycle" driven by a few major forces:
• Historic Supply Tightness: The U.S. cattle inventory is at its lowest level in decades. Because it takes years to "biologically" rebuild a herd, every small shift in supply sends ripples through the market.
• External Disruptions: Factors like the ongoing border closure to Mexican feeder cattle (due to screwworm concerns) and labor uncertainties at major packing plants have created temporary backlogs and price swings…and of course, the ordeal going on overseas.
• Input & Interest Costs: High interest rates and feed costs mean the "cost of carry" is higher than ever. Producers are having to make hard decisions about whether to sell or retain heifers, which keeps the market sensitive to any new data.
• The "Elastic" Consumer: While demand for beef remains incredibly strong, traders are constantly watching to see if record-high retail prices will eventually cause consumers to pull back.
*Success at Poor Boy Livestock (Friday, March 13th)
Despite that national volatility, the local market proved its resilience this past Friday. Our sale at Poor Boy Livestock in Wister was a clear testament to the quality of our regional producers.
While the futures market was "choppy" leading into the weekend, we saw exceptional local demand. Buyers were active, and the energy in the barn was a reminder that when you bring a quality product to the ring, the market will reward it. Even with national fluctuations, the "Poor Boy Market" held its own, providing a strong outlet for both our regular consignors and new faces.
The Bottom Line: You can't control the board in Chicago, but you can control the quality of the calves you're raising. The supply remains tight, and the long-term outlook for those who stay in the game is looking bright.
We appreciate you all so much!
See you Friday!
Tanner Ward & The Poor Boy Crew
