Cattle Feed Prices: Trend, Index, Chart, Market Analysis and Forecast for Q2 2026

According to ChemAnalyst, Cattle feed prices remained under pressure from rising production costs, shifting feedstock availability, and changing livestock demand during the second quarter of 2026. Across major markets in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), North America, and Europe, the cattle feed market reflected a combination of higher producer costs and varying consumption patterns. While stronger industrial and agricultural activity supported demand in several regions, elevated energy, grain, protein meal, and processing costs continued to influence feed manufacturers and livestock producers.

Cattle feed is a critical input for the beef and dairy industries, with prices closely linked to corn, soybean meal, wheat, rapeseed meal, energy, transportation, and livestock market conditions. During Q2 2026, regional differences in feedstock supply and consumer demand resulted in divergent market dynamics.

Cattle Feed Prices in APAC

In China, the Cattle Feed Price Index increased quarter-over-quarter during Q2 2026. The primary factor behind the increase was the rise in production expenses, particularly higher producer prices and energy-related costs.

China's Producer Price Index increased by 4.1% in June 2026, adding pressure to manufacturing and agricultural input costs. Higher energy prices recorded earlier in the quarter also contributed to increased expenses associated with feed milling, drying, transportation, and storage.

At the same time, cattle feed demand experienced some downward pressure. Retail sales growth was approximately 1.0% in June 2026, while consumer price inflation remained at 1.0%. These indicators suggested relatively cautious consumer spending, which limited the pace of downstream demand for meat and dairy products.

Nevertheless, China's broader industrial economy remained comparatively resilient. The Manufacturing Index expanded, while industrial production increased by 5.3% in June 2026. This stronger industrial activity supported business confidence and helped offset some of the weakness in consumer-driven demand.

Feedstock availability also remained an important consideration. Domestic soybean meal inventories showed an upward trend during Q1 2026, contributing to relatively ample availability entering Q2. Greater soybean meal availability helped moderate some protein-feed cost pressures even as other production expenses increased.

China's grain imports also showed an upward trend in April 2026, supporting the availability of key raw materials used in animal feed. Improved access to grains helped feed manufacturers maintain production, although the benefit was partly offset by higher energy and processing costs.

Government policies aimed at improving livestock efficiency and reducing sow herd numbers could moderate overall feed demand during 2026. Such measures may encourage producers to focus on feed conversion efficiency and optimized livestock inventories, limiting volume growth despite stable underlying requirements.

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Why Did Cattle Feed Prices Change in June 2026 in APAC?

Several factors influenced the movement in Cattle Feed Prices across APAC:

• The 4.1% increase in China's PPI raised production and processing costs.
• Higher energy expenses increased feed manufacturing and logistics costs.
• Retail sales growth of only 1.0% created pressure on downstream demand.
• Rising grain imports supported feedstock availability and reduced the risk of supply shortages.
• Higher soybean meal inventories provided some relief to protein-feed costs.
• Livestock efficiency policies could restrict feed consumption growth during 2026.

Indonesia Cattle Feed Prices

Indonesia remained an important cattle-feed market in Southeast Asia. The average Cattle Feed price during Q2 2026 was approximately USD 70/MT in Indonesia.

The Indonesian market continued to be influenced by grain and protein-meal availability, import costs, transportation expenses, and livestock-sector demand. Feed manufacturers remained sensitive to fluctuations in imported raw materials, while domestic consumption was supported by the country's livestock and food-processing sectors.

Cattle Feed Prices in North America

The North American cattle feed market recorded a stronger price environment during Q2 2026. In the United States, the Cattle Feed Price Index increased quarter-over-quarter, primarily because of elevated producer and agricultural input costs.

The U.S. Producer Price Index increased by 5.5% year-over-year in June 2026, indicating significant cost pressure across the production economy. For cattle feed manufacturers, higher costs can affect milling, formulation, packaging, transportation, and other processing activities.

Demand conditions were comparatively supportive. U.S. retail sales increased by 6.9% year-over-year in May 2026, reflecting stronger consumer activity. Robust retail demand for beef and dairy products supported livestock-sector activity and, consequently, demand for cattle feed.

The Consumer Price Index increased by 3.5% year-over-year in June 2026, contributing to higher operating costs across the agricultural economy. Farmers faced pressure from labor, transportation, machinery, energy, and other farm-related expenses.

U.S. cattle-on-feed inventories also increased in June after declining slightly in April. Higher cattle inventories generally translate into sustained feed consumption, particularly when feedlots maintain animals for longer finishing periods.

Feed ingredient markets remained an important driver. Soybean meal prices stayed firm in May 2026, maintaining pressure on protein-feed formulations. Since soybean meal is a major source of protein in many cattle-feed formulations, its price directly affects feed manufacturing costs.

However, the U.S. grain supply situation provided some counterbalancing support. Corn and soybean stocks on June 1, 2026, were significantly higher than the previous year. Greater domestic availability can reduce supply-related price pressure and improve procurement flexibility for feed producers.

U.S. corn exports during the 2025/26 marketing year also reached elevated levels, with exports supporting strong underlying demand for corn. Consequently, the market experienced a balance between improved domestic stocks and firm export demand.

Why Did Cattle Feed Prices Change in June 2026 in North America?

The key drivers included:

• The U.S. PPI increased 5.5% year-over-year, raising production costs.
• Retail sales grew 6.9% year-over-year in May, supporting livestock-product demand.
• Firm soybean meal prices increased protein-feed costs.
• Higher cattle-on-feed inventories supported feed consumption.
• Strong corn export activity maintained demand for feed grains.
• Increased corn and soybean stocks improved raw-material availability.

Overall, the U.S. market experienced a relatively firm cattle-feed pricing environment because strong downstream demand coincided with elevated production expenses.

Cattle Feed Prices in Europe

Germany represented a comparatively stable but cost-sensitive European market during Q2 2026. The German Cattle Feed Price Index increased quarter-over-quarter as rising production expenses combined with stable demand.

Producer prices increased by 2.2% in May 2026, contributing to higher manufacturing expenses for feed producers. Agricultural input costs across the European Union also increased during the quarter, squeezing margins for manufacturers and livestock producers.

Demand for animal-derived products strengthened in Germany during Q2. Retail sales increased by approximately 1.8%, supporting consumption of meat and dairy products and providing a relatively stable foundation for cattle-feed demand.

However, Germany's industrial indicators were less supportive than those in China or the United States. The Manufacturing Index contracted in June, while industrial production remained unchanged at 0.0% in May 2026. These conditions indicated limited momentum in the wider manufacturing economy.

German inflation also remained a factor. The Consumer Price Index increased by 2.3% year-over-year in June 2026, adding to operating costs for farmers and businesses.

The feedstock market presented additional regional considerations. German rapeseed meal exports declined in April 2026, reflecting stable domestic demand and competitive pressures in export markets. Reduced exports could help maintain domestic availability, although broader European feed ingredient prices remained influenced by agricultural production and trade conditions.

The unemployment rate remained relatively low at 3.8% in May 2026, supporting consumer purchasing power. This helped sustain demand for animal-derived food products and provided some support to livestock producers.

Why Did Cattle Feed Prices Change in June 2026 in Germany?

The main factors influencing German Cattle Feed Prices were:

• Producer prices increased 2.2% in May 2026, raising manufacturing costs.
• Agricultural input costs increased across the EU.
• Retail sales grew 1.8%, supporting meat and dairy consumption.
• Consumer prices rose 2.3% year-over-year, increasing operating expenses.
• Stable domestic demand affected rapeseed meal trade flows.
• Manufacturing contraction limited the strength of broader industrial demand.

Key Factors Influencing Global Cattle Feed Prices in Q2 2026

Cattle feed pricing during Q2 2026 was shaped by several interconnected factors.

Feed Grain Prices

Corn, wheat, barley, and other grains are fundamental components of cattle-feed formulations. Changes in crop inventories, harvest expectations, imports, exports, and logistics can rapidly affect feed costs.

Soybean Meal and Protein Ingredients

Soybean meal remained a particularly important cost factor. Firm soybean meal prices in the United States and changing inventory conditions in China affected protein-feed formulation costs.

Energy and Manufacturing Costs

Energy prices influence feed production through milling, drying, storage, and transportation. Higher energy expenses therefore tend to raise the cost of finished cattle feed.

Livestock Inventories

Cattle inventories have a direct relationship with feed consumption. Increasing cattle-on-feed numbers can raise feed demand, while herd-reduction programs may reduce overall consumption.

Consumer Demand

Demand for beef and dairy products influences livestock profitability and ultimately determines how aggressively producers purchase feed. Strong retail sales in the United States provided stronger support than relatively subdued consumer activity in China.

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Cattle Feed Price Outlook

The outlook for Cattle Feed Prices in the second half of 2026 will depend heavily on feed-grain availability, soybean meal prices, energy costs, livestock inventories, and consumer demand.

In APAC, improved grain availability and higher soybean meal inventories could limit sharp increases in feed prices. However, elevated producer and energy costs may keep prices above earlier levels. China's livestock efficiency policies could also moderate demand growth.

In North America, strong cattle inventories and consumer demand may continue supporting feed consumption. At the same time, higher producer prices and firm protein-meal costs could keep production expenses elevated. Improved corn and soybean inventories should provide some supply-side relief.

In Europe, feed prices are expected to remain sensitive to agricultural input costs and regional economic activity. Germany's stable meat and dairy demand could support feed consumption, although weaker manufacturing activity may limit broader economic momentum.

Conclusion

The Q2 2026 Cattle Feed Prices market demonstrated significant regional differences. China experienced higher prices as rising producer and energy costs outweighed relatively weak consumer demand. Indonesia maintained an average quarterly price of approximately USD 70/MT, with feed costs influenced by raw-material availability and livestock-sector requirements.

In the United States, stronger consumer demand, higher cattle-on-feed inventories, firm soybean meal prices, and a 5.5% PPI increase supported a firm cattle-feed market. Meanwhile, improved corn and soybean stocks provided greater feedstock availability.

Germany recorded a more moderate price increase, with rising producer and agricultural input costs offset by stable demand for meat and dairy products. The 2.2% increase in producer prices and 2.3% CPI growth added to cost pressures, while relatively low unemployment supported consumer purchasing power.

Going forward, feed manufacturers and livestock producers will need to closely monitor grain inventories, soybean meal prices, energy markets, livestock numbers, trade flows, and consumer demand. These variables will remain central to the direction of Cattle Feed Prices through the remainder of 2026.

 

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