Record Cattle Prices Continue at Northern Livestock Early Summer Special
June 26, 2026
Record demand and historic prices highlighted Northern Livestock Video Auction's Early Summer Special, as buyers aggressively pursued calves and yearlings despite ongoing drought conditions across much of cattle country.
According to Ty Thompson with Northern Livestock Video Auction, the market exceeded even the industry's lofty expectations.
"It was better than any of us expected," Thompson said. "We knew there was going to be good demand, but this thing was hot as a firecracker."
Three Years of Profits Fuel Demand
Thompson said the strength of the cattle market reflects three consecutive years of profitability throughout much of the beef industry.
"You can tell what's happened in this industry," he said. "The cow-calf producers have been making money, the cattle feeders have been making money, and that money is being reinvested."
He added that buyers continue to place a premium on Northern cattle because of their quality, performance, and growth potential.
"They like the quality of cattle up in this country," Thompson said. "They perform, they grow, and buyers have confidence in them."
Calves Top $5 Per Pound
The strongest demand centered on lightweight calves slated for fall delivery.
Several groups of 600-pound steers sold in the upper $4.90s, while multiple lots topped the $5.00-per-pound mark.
One outstanding set of 635-pound program steers sold for $5.05 per pound, while many 575- to 585-pound steers brought $5.05 to $5.15 per pound.
As the sale progressed, 650-pound steers sold from $4.65 to $4.80, while many fancy 700-pound calves traded between $4.40 and $4.70 per pound.
"It was just an outstanding market," Thompson said.
Drought Continues to Influence Marketings
While prices remain exceptionally strong, Wade noted drought continues to force many ranchers to market cattle earlier than planned.
"We've been seeing it all spring," he said. "Guys are having to sell earlier because of drought."
Ironically, those early placements have tightened supplies of yearlings available for later delivery.
Buyers responded by bidding aggressively on September and October delivery cattle, anticipating fewer supplies later this year.
"We're going to continue getting shorter on those placements as we move forward," Thompson said.
Yearling Market Remains Historically Strong
Immediate-delivery yearlings also surprised Thompson with their strength.
Seven-weight yearlings sold as high as $4.45 per pound, while heavier eight- and nine-weight cattle commonly traded between $3.77 and $3.90, with some larger yearlings bringing $3.80.
The spread between steers and heifers averaged $40 to $45 per hundredweight, occasionally reaching $50.
Prices Up as Much as $100 Per Hundredweight
Comparing this year's Early Summer Special to last June paints a remarkable picture.
According to Thompson, calves are averaging roughly $100 per hundredweight higher than a year ago, while yearlings are bringing $65 to $80 per hundredweight more.
"For 75% of my career, I waited five years to see a $100 move," Thompson said. "Now we've had three straight years of $50 to $80 moves every single year."
Keep Those Cows Around
Wade believes today's cattle cycle continues to favor cow-calf producers more than anyone else in the industry.
"Many people have said it, but the cow-calf producer is in the driver's seat," he said. "Do everything you can to keep those cows around. Even though everything costs more, it's still a very profitable business."
Next Stop: Summertime Classic
Attention now turns to Northern Livestock's Summertime Classic running July 20-22, with consignments due by July 2.
Thompson expects another outstanding offering of calves and one of the nation's premier yearling sales.
"If you've got yearlings to market, be sure and get them on the Summertime Classic," he said. "We'll have all the big hitters back and another tremendous set of cattle."
For more information or to consign, click here.
Source: Western Ag Network
