Cattle Cycle Trend 2026

The cattle cycle refers to the predictable, multi-year expansion and contraction of herd sizes, driven by shifts in beef prices and producer profitability. During high prices, ranchers expand breeding, leading to oversupply and falling prices, which then triggers herd liquidation. Livestock producers rely on it to time breeding and sales, while analysts, investors, and policymakers use it to forecast beef supply and market trends.