Strong cattle prices to begin spring

Cattle markets have shown continued strength through the first three months of 2026. Spring began with the strongest calf and feeder cattle prices of any March on record. Average prices during the last week of March 2026 were up 21 to 38 percent above year-ago levels across the southeast, depending on weight range, and were more than double what they were just three years ago in March 2023.

The chart above shows average weekly prices for 500-600 lb. steers in Mississippi from January 2023 through March 2026. The chart below shows prices for 700-800 lb. steers in these states. There has been a clear uptrend in prices over these 3+ years, including so far in 2026.

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Mississippi State University Extension

April 8, 2026