Cattlemen's Market Report March 31, 2026

The market at Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction in Lakeland stayed on a strong upward trend this week, with 358 head coming through the ring on March 31.

Calves led the charge once again, trending $5 to $10 higher, with some classes pushing even beyond that. Demand stayed aggressive, and buyers were ready to go to work, especially on quality calves.

The cow market held solid, with noticeable strength throughout, while the bull market stood out as one of the highlights of the sale. A high butcher bull brought $2.30 per pound and topped out at $4,019 per head, showing just how much demand there is for heavy, high-yield cattle right now.

On the cow side, the high butcher cow reached $1.87 per pound, keeping that market steady and competitive.

Calves continued to make headlines, with the high calf bringing $8.00 per pound. The top calf also “dollared out” at $2,580 per head, reinforcing just how strong this calf market continues to be.

Overall, the trend is clear. This market has been steadily climbing week after week. While there may be some attempts to pull it back as we move deeper into April, current cattle numbers and demand levels suggest any dip will likely be short-lived.

Looking ahead, the outlook remains strong. However, dry conditions are still a concern across parts of the region. With inconsistent rainfall, producers should stay proactive, keep an eye on pasture conditions, and manage cattle accordingly.

If things hold, we’re looking at a solid year ahead in the cattle market.

A healthy calf is a high-dollar calf.

Staying on top of protein, minerals, salt, vaccinations, and overall management can make a real difference when it comes time to sell.

We appreciate all of our buyers and sellers and look forward to seeing everyone back next week.

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