Keep pulling the thread on Anne Wasco.
The U.S.-Mexican border is closed for feeder cattle imports into the United States.
The closure of the U.S.-Mexican border removes over 1 million head of feeder cattle from the typical supply for southern U.S. feed yards.
Anne Wasco predicts that the U.S.-Mexican border will reopen for feeder cattle imports at some point in 2026.
Anne Wasco predicts increased political conflict in 2026 over the 'Product of USA' label and voluntary country of origin labeling for beef.
Sean Haney expects the U.S. Federal Reserve to implement two more interest rate cuts in the first quarter of 2026.
Anne Wasco projects that beef demand in 2026 will be slightly lower than in 2025 due to record-high retail prices.
Retail beef prices in the U.S. are at a record high, while Canadian prices hit a record in July 2025 and have been flat since.
Anne Wasco predicts a mild increase in heifer retention in 2026, with expansion being regional rather than widespread.
A Tyson packing plant in the U.S. was closed in the second half of 2025.
Despite a plant closure in Lexington and a shift reduction in Amarillo, there is still excess beef packing capacity in the United States.
A new packing plant, Sustainable Beef, is currently ramping up operations in Nebraska.
A new beef packing plant is scheduled to open in Texas around 2028.