CattlePulse

Hosted by Elijah Griles

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Jun 2026

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About the show

We cover stories about Virginia’s cattle industry and the economics and market trends that affect them. CattlePulse provides regular market updates about Virginia feeder cattle sales, includes timely, relevant production advancements, and offers interviews with farmers and industry professionals.

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20 recent

June 8, 20269 min

The Screwworm Is Back

Feeder cattle futures took a sharp turn this month, as markets reacted to a major animal health development — and drought concerns continue to weigh on producers. In this episode, host Elijah Griles breaks down the New World Screwworm detection in Texas, what it means for markets and trade, and the latest Cattle on Feed report. Plus, Elijah shares an update on Virginia drought conditions and local cash markets.In this episode:Feeder cattle futures have been volatile — August at $349/cwt and September at $346/cwt, both down roughly 5% month-over-month before rebounding on news of a New World Screwworm detectionUSDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a Texas calf, triggering a 12-mile infestation zone and increased surveillance along with continued sterile fly dispersalThe May Cattle on Feed report showed 11.6 million head on feed, up 2% year-over-year — the first increase in 18 months, with placements up 6% and marketings down 10%Drought is impacting more than 70% of the U.S. cattle herd, raising questions about expansion and increasing feed, hay, and water costsBeef demand remains strong despite record prices — retail beef averaged $9.64/lb. in April, while demand is up 7% year-over-year and 39% over the past seven yearsVirginia drought conditions persist: 25% of the state is in extreme drought and 59% in severe drought, with limited relief in the near-term climate outlookVirginia feeder calf prices softened slightly — the six-market average came in at $461/cwt, down 1.7% from last monthMarket outlook hinges on competing pressures: tighter supplies vs. drought-driven early sales and reduced buyer demandResources mentioned:USDA APHIS updates on New World ScrewwormUSDA Cattle on Feed Report (May 2026)Livestock Market Information Center (LMIC) beef demand dataU.S. Drought MonitorNOAA Climate Prediction Center outlookEvent mention:Virginia Beef Cattle University — July 8–10Register at: vabeefcattleu.comCattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

May 11, 202614 min

Enjoy It While It Lasts

Feeder cattle prices are at historic highs — but challenges are mounting. In this month's episode, host Elijah Griles breaks down the latest futures markets, unpacks what a softening choice-select spread could mean for beef demand, and shares drought conditions across the Commonwealth. Plus, Elijah talks with Gene Copenhaver, newly elected president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and a Washington County native at the Virginia Beef Expo.In this episode:Feeder cattle futures are trading in the low $370s, with May at $372, August at $373, and September at $371 — all up roughly 1% from a month agoThe April Cattle on Feed report showed 11.6 million head on feed as of April 1st, down 1% from a year ago, with placements down 7% and marketings down 6%Heifers on feed came in at 37.3% — slightly above the 20-year average — with a downward trend over the last 2–3 years that may signal early heifer retentionThe choice-select spread has narrowed significantly in 2026, hovering between $0–$10 and even turning negative at points, raising questions about softening consumer demand for higher-quality beef grades80% of Virginia is in severe drought, with 18% of the state in extreme droughtVirginia feeder calf prices surged again — the six-market average for 500 lb. Medium & Large #1 steers hit $469/cwt, up 3.1% from last month, with Winchester approaching $500/cwtNCBA President Gene Copenhaver shares his priorities: supporting the next generation of cattle producers, easing farm transition costs, and navigating the ongoing drought and border reopening questionsResources mentioned:Kenny Burdine's Cattle Market Notes weekly newsletter (University of Kentucky)USDA Cattle on Feed Report (April 2026)NOAA Climate Prediction Center May outlookU.S. Drought MonitorAgriStress helpline: call or text 833-897-2474CattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

April 13, 202615 min

Fertilizer Prices and Product of the USA

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles talks with American Farm Bureau economist Bernt Nelson about whether fertlizer prices will come down as quickly as they went up and the benefits and risks of Product of the USA labeling.For Market Intel's from American Farm Bureau, click here.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode?Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

March 6, 202610 min

Consumer Demand Counts

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles unpacks the factors behind the recent futures contract dip, looks at how consumer demand is holding up to record high retail prices, and highlights another month of record high feeder calf prices.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode?Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

February 6, 20269 min

Virginia Heifers Heat Up Despite Statewide Freeze

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles unpacks USDA's cattle inventory report, focusing on a significant increase in beef replacement heifers in Virginia. He also details another record month for Virginia feeder steers, despite winter storms cancelling sales.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

January 12, 20269 min

New Year's Reflections

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles looks back at 2025’s price trends and breaks down what they could mean for Virginia herds in 2026. He also dives into the worsening drought conditions and highlights the month of January's low prices.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

December 8, 202511 min

'Tis the Season for Seasonal Trends?

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles unpacks the implications of the late arriving Cattle on Feed report and the effects of Tyson's packing plant closure announcement. He also explores how Virginia cash markets follow seasonal trends.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

November 10, 202513 min

Beef Imports & Market Mayhem

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles sits down with Jake Tabor from Virginia Farm Bureau Federation's Governmental Relations team to unpack the impacts of President Trump's plan to quadruple Argentine beef imports. He also highlights why Virginia's cash markets aren't reacting the way you might expect.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

October 13, 202511 min

Demand vs. Dollars

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles explores how New World Screwworm Fly related import controls are changing midwestern cattle feeding dynamics. Elijah also does a deep dive into the difference between beef demand and the quantity of beef demanded.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.

September 8, 20259 min

Where Are The Calves Coming From?

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles discusses the August Cattle on Feed report and the status of national herd expansion. With retail beef prices hitting all-time highs, Elijah also explores the strength of consumer demand.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.