Fall 2026 Cattle Feeder Enterprise Projections Now Available

High cattle prices and rising input costs coupled with volatility have forward-thinking cattle feeders and backgrounders doing some calculations to determine what they can pay for feeder calves, and/or what they should forward contract them for. To assist with this task UW-Madison Division of Extension has assembled a set of projections using price and cost estimates as of early October 2026. 

These projections are intended to serve as an initial guide. They are based on regional averages; therefore, producers are strongly encouraged to use their own numbers rather than these estimates to evaluate their specific situation. 

Download Fall 2026 Cattle Feeder Enterprise Projections examples

Projected sale prices were estimated by looking at futures contract prices and considering seasonal and cyclical trends in addition to current placements and animal breed influence on prices. Note that commodity prices change daily due to market volatility and could affect producer projections.

The projections suggest there is an opportunity for profit for some of the enterprises if cash prices follow what the futures market is predicting. However, market and input cost volatility can result in rapid changes in margins

We encourage producers to use the UW-Madison Extension Feedlot Enterprise Budget Tool (xls) to evaluate their own scenario.  It includes sections for determining ration, yardage and labor and management costs that the projections file does not. Using the enterprise budget tool or similar tools with your own numbers is more valuable to help you with your decisions.  The projections are intended to be an initial guide.

About Fall 2026 Cattle Feeder Enterprise Projections

The projections include the following nine different feedlot related enterprises that are summarized on the first tab of the file. Each enterprise projection has its own sheet within the file. 

• Holstein bull calf birth to 400 lbs. 
• Beef x dairy cross calf birth to 400 lbs. 
• Beef x dairy cross steers 400 to 1550 lbs. 
• Beef x dairy cross heifers 400 to 1450 lbs. 
• Holstein steers 400 to 800 lbs. 
• Holstein steers 400 to 1550 lbs. 
• Holstein steers 800 to 1550 lbs. 
• Beef feeder steer calves finish 550 to 1500 lbs. 
• Beef heeder heifers 500 to 1400 lbs. 
• Beef feeder calves- background 500 to 900 lbs. 
• Beef steer yearlings to finish 800 to 1500 lbs.  
• Add condition to thin cull beef cows 1200 to 1400 lbs. 

Summary

With high cattle prices, proactive cattle feeders and backgrounders are calculating the costs and potential returns for feeder calves. To aid in this, UW-Madison Division of Extension has provided example projection estimates.  Producers should use their own numbers to best evaluate their situation.