US Beef production—balancing supply and demand
Alfredo DiCostanzo, NE Extension Beef Systems Educator
Anyone involved in the cattle business understands what it takes to supply the US consumer and the export market with wholesome, high-quality beef. Currently, low cattle inventory, and other unforeseen circumstances, led the industry to adjust rapidly. Statistics kept by USDA tell a story of cattle supply and source that reveal a careful balance to compensate for low cattle inventory.
Before proceeding to describe what cattle harvest looks like in the US in 2025, it is important to recognize the influence of the US-Mexico border closure resulting from preventing screwworm from entering the US. The fly was first discovered in Mexico nearly a year ago in a state bordering with Central America.
The US imports live cattle from Mexico for feeding in American feedlots, mostly in southern states. In 2023 and 2024 each, 1.2 million cattle crossed the border from Mexico into the US for cattle feeding. So far, by July 2025, only 214,394 feeder cattle crossed the border from Mexico.
A few feeder cattle are also imported from Canada. The number of Canadian feeder cattle imported between January and July increased from 2023 (94,513 head) or 2024 (97,164 head) to 100,723 head in 2025. Canadian feeder cattle hardly contribute to cattle feeding in the US, but we import from 500,000 to 600,000 head yearly from Canada for direct slaughter.
Overall, the proportion of feeder and fed cattle sourced from Mexico and Canada between January and July dropped to 3.8% from 7.2% in 2024 or 5.6% in 2023 for the same period.
Therefore, cattle harvest in the US, including Canadian or Mexican sourced, is at a pace slower than 2024. Compared to the period between January and July of 2023 or 2024, nearly 1 million fewer cattle were harvested this year. Yet, production of beef from cattle harvested in the US is only 0.4 billion pounds below that of 2023 or 2024 for the same period. Heavier carcass weights and larger beef imports are making up for the deficit in cattle supply.
Lean trimmings comprise most beef imports. Trimmings are used to mix with fat trimmings from cattle harvested in the US to make ground beef. Most of the beef consumed in the US is in the form of ground beef. Also, as non-fed cattle inventories dropped, the proportion of fed cattle in the slaughter mix increased from 82.5% in 2023 to 85.6% currently. This increases the fat trimming supply.
Incidentally, at 36.4%, the proportion of heifers in the slaughter mix for July of 2025 is the lowest since January of 2023. Hopefully, this indicates that the industry is beginning to slow down heifer slaughter.
Where do these figures lead? Internally, the US will produce fewer pounds of beef in 2025 than in 2024 or 2023. Assuming an increase in carcass weight of 28 lb and a reduction in fed cattle supply of 7.3%, both figures representing carcass weigh increase or fed cattle supply decrease between January and July of 2024 and the same period of 2025, the US will produce 25.9 billion pounds of beef or 2.7% less beef in 2025 than in 2024.
Given these projections, what will beef production look like in 2026? Likely lower, particularly if heifer retention is a reality and the situation at the border does not change. Yet, for all the challenges so far, the industry has adapted rapidly. Economic signals of supply and demand continue to be the main drivers of beef production. We could not ask for anything better!
Nebraska Corn Is Proud of Wesely for Serving on National Corn Board
Nebraska Corn is proud and appreciative of Dan Wesely, who recently completed his service on the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Board at the end of September. Wesely served on the Board since 2021.
Wesely farms both corn and soybeans in Morse Bluff, Neb. on his fifth-generation family farm. Their operation is 75% irrigated.
Previously, he has served as chair of the Governance Committee as well as Corn Board liaison to the Sustainable Ag Research and Member and Consumer Engagement Action Teams. He represented the Association as liaison to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Prior to joining the Corn Board, he chaired the Market Development Action Team and the Food, Feed and Industrial Action Team.
At the state level, he is a past chair of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Saunder’s County Corn Growers Association and previously served as president of the North Bend Central School Board.
“Dan has been a pillar and a role model in the corn industry, both in Nebraska and across the nation,” said Michael Dibbern, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “He exemplifies servant leadership and a genuine commitment to our industry. For many young farmers, he's the inspiration behind our decisions to take on leadership roles, laying the groundwork for future leaders.”
Wesely has a passion for service for others, a quality that was evident as he served the nation’s corn farmers.
“I had the privilege of serving with Dan on the National Corn Board, which was a true honor to sit next to him at the table,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “In tough decision-making moments, Dan's thoughtful questions were invaluable. He'd ask the important and hard ones, seeking answers that ultimately benefited corn farmers and the industry as a whole.”
State delegates elect 15 farmers from across the country to serve 3-year terms representing the corn industry on the national level.
Crop insurance Workshop November 4 in Grand Island
Nebraska Extension and the Department of Agricultural Economics at Nebraska will host a 2025 Crop Insurance Workshop for agribusiness professionals and producers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 4, at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, 700 E. Stolley Park Road.
The workshop will feature updates on the farm bill, a market outlook, and presentations on climate trends, trade and tariffs, farm finances, and the latest from the USDA Risk Management Agency. Speakers include University of Nebraska–Lincoln agricultural economists Anastasia Meyer, Cory Walters and Lia Nogueira; Flint Corliss of Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.; meteorologist Don Day Jr. of DayWeather, Inc.; and a representative from the Risk Management Agency.
The event is designed for crop insurance agents, farmers and ranchers, lenders, commodity brokers, professional farm managers, crop consultants, grain merchandisers and financial advisers who want to strengthen their risk management strategies and better advise clients.
“Crop insurance and related risk management tools remain critical to the financial resilience of Nebraska farms and ranches,” said Cory Walters, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Nebraska. “This workshop provides the latest information producers and their advisors need to make informed decisions.”
Registration is $110 per person if completed by Oct. 30 and $130 after. A 50% refund is available if canceled at least five days prior to the workshop. Continuing education credits have been applied for in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota.
To register, visit cropinsure.unl.edu. For questions, contact Walters at 402-472-0366 or cwalters7@unl.edu.
CAP Webinar: 2025 Tax Planning Update for Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers
Oct 30, 2025 12:00 PM
With Tina Barrett, Director, Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.
Nebraska Farm Business, Inc. Director Tina Barrett will share key tax updates and strategies to help farmers and ranchers prepare for year-end. This session will cover the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, review rules for deferring income from livestock sales, and outline other timely planning opportunities. Participants will come away with practical guidance to manage their 2025 tax decisions with more confidence.
Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.
I-29 Moo University webinar On October 21 To Focus On Training and Pre-training Heifers for Robotic Milking Success
The I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar Series continues Thursday, October 21 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT, focusing on Training and Pre-training Heifers for Robotic Milking Success with University of Minnesota Dairy Educator James Salfer.
Jim Salfer is a Regional Extension Educator – with University of Minnesota Extension. Jim has served in his present position for 22 years. Before that he managed a feed department, was a dairy nutritionist, a district sales manager for an AI company and managed a dairy farm. Jim has been involved on farm research projects studying robotic milking systems and automatic calf feeders. The focus of his education program has been to help farmers and other industry professionals understand the major factors driving dairy farm profitability and develop management strategies to improve profitability.
Producers will learn about research and tips to successfully integrate heifers into robotic milking systems. We'll cover strategies for pre-training, including early exposure and positive reinforcement, as well as hands-on training techniques to ensure a smooth transition. Learn how to reduce stress, optimize performance, and set your next generation of cows up for success in your automated milking system.
There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/AUTOMATICMILKING
For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Maristela Rovai, 605-688-5488.
Iowa Beef Grant Brings Real-World Nutrition to the Classroom
The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) brings real-world nutrition to Iowa classrooms. Over 85 schools participated this past year, reaching 13,000 students through hands-on cooking labs and nutrition education.
The program provides up to $750 per middle or high school foods class to help Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) teachers purchase beef for lessons on nutrition, food safety, and cooking skills.
Why It Matters
Today’s students, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are more food-conscious than ever. The Beef Grant Program helps them discover beef’s role in building balanced, protein-rich meals while gaining kitchen skills and confidence they’ll use for life.
Erin Good, RD and Director of Nutrition & Health at IBIC, explains, “Our goal is to educate, inspire, and motivate students to fuel their bodies and minds with nutrient-rich beef. Many school-age children and teens fall short on key nutrients like high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline, and vitamin B12 each day—yet these nutrients are essential for healthy growth, learning and activity. Additionally, being able to cook independently at home as a teen builds valuable life skills.”
When it comes to building healthy habits, Erin emphasizes three main barriers: a lack of food knowledge, poor cooking skills, and a lack of kitchen confidence. The Beef Grant Program is working to change that.
FCS teachers say the program is sparking excitement in the classroom:
“One student said their steak fajitas were better than a restaurant’s!” - Karina Vander Weerdt, Pella High School
“Students delighted in eating beef lasagna roll-ups and learning how beef is processed in a meat locker. They also studied the career of a butcher.” - Dr. Pamela Vande Voort, Pella Christian High School
“It seems that most students are more familiar with chicken and haven’t eaten much beef due to cost. While they know about steak, it’s seen as a special treat. I enjoy introducing them to different beef cuts and cooking methods to show its versatility. My students are always excited to try new things, and this grant makes it possible!” - Laurie Miles, WACO Community School District
Calling all educators: Don’t miss your chance to apply!
Thanks to the continued support of Iowa’s cattle producers, this grant is helping bring beef education to life in schools across the state, ensuring that future generations grow up with the knowledge and appreciation for the beef they’re putting on their plates.
FCS teachers can apply for the 2025–2026 grant at www.iabeef.org/education/family-and-consumer-science-teachers.
Iowa Beef Center’s third annual genetic symposium is Nov. 19-20
The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University is excited to announce the third annual Genetic Symposium to be held Nov. 19-20 in Ames, at the ISU Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center.
This year's symposium, planned by Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension cow calf specialist Randie Culbertson, will focus on the practical implementation of genetic tools and technologies for commercial beef production. The event is designed to provide producers, industry professionals, and students with in-depth knowledge and experience to make informed genetic decisions that enhance herd performance and profitability.
Symposium highlights and topics
The two-day event will feature a combination of classroom-style learning and hands-on sessions covering topics crucial to beef production. In addition to producer panels and a panel of leading genetic company representatives, key areas of discussion will include:
Current tools for genetic improvement and their application.
The importance of phenotype and data collection.
Strategies to effectively use genomics in commercial herds.
Updates on new Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) and genetic defects.
“Hands-on demonstrations have been a crowd favorite in the past,” Culbertson said. “During this year’s rotations, participants will get to see several technologies in action, including a demonstration of tissue collection for DNA testing, targeted mating decision using RightMate, and an AI simulation model.”
After the first day’s sessions, attendees will enjoy a dinner sponsored by Zoetis and prepared by the ISU Meat Lab, followed by some fun activities, including a mock feeder cattle auction.
Designed to increase the exposure of genetic and reproductive technologies available in the beef industry, the Genetic Symposium has been attended by over 160 cattlemen and women from nine states during its first two years. Past attendees noted that participation in the program was estimated to increase the farm’s economic return by an average of $7.50 per head for an average of nearly $1,700 per beef enterprise.
Registration details
The symposium begins Nov. 19 at noon and runs through noon on Nov. 20, with all sessions held at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, located at 2508 Mortensen Rd, Ames.
Registration is $75 per person through Nov. 13, and includes break refreshments, dinner on Nov. 19, and symposium materials. After that date, registration increases to $85 per person. A block of rooms is available at the Spring Hill Suites, 1810 SE 16th St., Ames, for $99 per room. Reservation deadline for rooms is Saturday, Nov. 1.
See the symposium website for program schedule, links to registration and lodging, and sponsorship opportunities https://www.extension.iastate.edu/geneticsymp/.
For more information, contact Culbertson by email at rculber@iastate.edu or by phone at 515-294-6304.
Grants for 48 Projects to Bolster Access to E15, Biodiesel in Iowa
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board recently approved an additional 48 grants, totaling more than $1.86 million, to support new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects.
These cost-share investments help drivers save money by providing expanded access to lower cost and cleaner burning homegrown biofuels like biodiesel and E15 (Unleaded 88). The grants were awarded by the RFIP Board during its quarterly meeting on Sept. 16.
The 48 approved projects are located in 25 different counties and total $1,864,344.37 in state cost-share.
Among the project approved is:
Carroll HyVee Carroll $11,403.34 Retail E15 Site
Pottawattamie Danco II, LLC Council Bluffs $75,000.00 Retail E15 Site
Pottawattamie Danco II, LLC Council Bluffs $50,000.00 Retail Biodiesel Site
Woodbury HyVee Sioux City $15,355.21 Retail E15 Site
Woodbury HyVee Sioux City $15,056.68 Retail E15 Site
Woodbury Leeds Food and Fuel Sioux City $40,035.55 Retail E15 Site
“We are helping to make affordable, cleaner-burning options like E15 and biodiesel more widely available which, in turn, provides Iowans with more ways to stretch their dollars at the pump. These infrastructure investments boost our economy, strengthen rural communities, and keep Iowa moving forward with cleaner, more affordable energy,” said Secretary Naig. “As the nation’s top biofuel producer, Iowa is also uniquely positioned to put more of our homegrown energy to work right here in our own communities.”
Since the cost-share grant program began in 2006, the Department has invested more than $65 million toward expanding renewable fuels infrastructure within Iowa. This has been matched with approximately $275 million by Iowa convenience stores and fuel retailers.
These ethanol investments are also helping more Iowa fuel stations come into compliance with the E15 Access Standard. Iowa is the first state to enact an E15 Access Standard, which requires most fuel retailers to offer E15 by Jan. 1, 2026. The law was passed by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Gov. Reynolds in 2022. For those convenience stores and fuel stations that need assistance coming into compliance, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship can provide cost-share funding through the RFIP.
With additional cost-share funding available, the Department welcomes grant applications to assist more fuel stations in improving and upgrading infrastructure. Applications are available at iowaagriculture.gov/IRFIP and the deadline for consideration at the next quarterly meeting is 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, 2025.
2025 Siouxland Agricultural Lender’s Seminar Set for October 30 in Sioux Center
Agricultural lenders, consultants, and farm financial advisors are invited to attend the 2025 Siouxland Agricultural Lender’s Seminar on Thursday, October 30, at the Terrace View Event Center, 230 St Andrews Way, Sioux Center, Iowa.
This year’s seminar will provide attendees with current, research-based information to support their work with agricultural producers in managing risk and making informed financial decisions. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., with programming running from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Seminar topics and presenters include:
Estate Planning – Larry Tranel, ISU Extension Dairy Field Specialist
Milk Market and Dairy Risk Management Update – Matt Tranel, Ever.Ag
Farm Bill Progress Review – Chad Hart, Extension Economist, ISU Extension and Outreach
Economic Insights for Midwest Agriculture – Jason Henderson, ISU Extension Vice President
Climate/Weather Outlook for the 2026 Growing Season – Madelyn Wuestenberg, ISU Extension
Land, Livestock, and Crop Market Update – Chad Hart, ISU Extension Economist
“This seminar has proven itself in assisting Siouxland lenders and financial advisors as a local source for current information which they can use as they help producers manage risk,” said Fred Hall, ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Specialist.
Registration Cost for the day:
$100 for the first attendee
$75 for each additional attendee from the same business
$30 for students
$125 for day-of registrations (lunch not guaranteed)
The Preregistration deadline is October 24, attendees can register online at go.iastate.edu/25AGLENDERS or by mail. Make checks payable to Sioux County Extension and send to ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County, 400 Central Ave. NW, Ste 700, Orange City, IA 51041.
High School Seniors, Apply Now for the ASA BASF Soy Scholarship
Do you know an outstanding high school senior who is interested in pursuing a career in agriculture? Strong agriculture leaders are vital to the sustainability and growth of the soybean industry, and the American Soybean Association, in partnership with BASF, wants to provide a student interested in agriculture with a college scholarship to begin their degree.
The Soy Scholarship is a $7,000, one-time award presented to a high school senior who plans to pursue agriculture as an area of study at any accredited college or university in the 2026-27 academic year. The scholarship is managed by ASA and made possible through a grant by BASF Corporation. High school seniors may apply online Oct. 7 – Dec. 31, 2025. Click here to learn more information about the program.
“Our future ag leaders are pivotal to ensuring growth in the industry and it’s an honor to partner with BASF to provide a young student this support as they begin their agricultural degree,” said ASA President Caleb Ragland (KY). “As the industry evolves, it is key to support future ag leaders through scholarships, mentoring, and educational programs. ASA is excited that BASF is helping make this program possible and we look forward to announcing our next Soy Scholarship recipient.”
“We are excited to partner with the American Soybean Association through this program, and advocate for ag education through the deployment of this annual scholarship,” said Vice President of U.S. Agricultural Solutions at BASF Scott Kay. “This initiative embodies our deep commitment to fostering academic excellence and empowering the next generation of ag leaders, and BASF is proud to offer support through the Soy Scholarship program.”
The scholarship is awarded in $3,500 increments (one per semester) for the 2026-27 school year. The student must be a child or grandchild of a current state soybean association/ASA member, maintain successful academic progress, and remain in good standing with the college or university to receive the full amount of the scholarship.
A committee of soybean grower leaders will select the ASA BASF scholarship recipient. The award winner will be announced this winter. For more information, please visit soygrowers.com.
ASA and BASF have recognized and rewarded students for their hard work and interest in agriculture through the Soy Scholarship since 2008.
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