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Story summary
- On April 15, 2026, Live cattle futures at the CME Group reached a record high of $2.51 per pound.
- The rise reflects a more than 25% year-over-year increase driven by rising costs and reduced herd sizes, with March ground beef prices at about $6.70 per pound, up 12%.
- March cattle slaughter declined to 2.2 million head from 2.5 million a year earlier, reducing beef production.
