Calf prices mixed across Panhandle barns; drought eases in 11 counties

Steer calves weighing 500–599 lb averaged $380.12 to $430.24 per hundredweight across seven USDA-reported area sales held Oct 13–15, a spread of $50.12; the top average was at Dalhart. Compared with each barn's previous sale, the 5-weight steer average was higher at 3 barns and lower at 4. The seven sales reported 19,284 head in total.

USDA's market reporter at Dalhart noted: "What a difference late rains and unseasonably warm temperatures can do to an outlook. Wheat is starting to pop around the area bringing wheat calves to the forefront."

On the U.S. Drought Monitor map dated Oct 13, 32 of the region's 49 counties had some severe drought (D2) or worse, and 20 had it across most of the county. Severe-or-worse coverage shrank by at least 5 points in 11 counties, including Dallam (TX), Hartley (TX), Moore (TX), Hutchinson (TX) and 7 more, and grew that much in none.

All 49 region counties are on FSA's 2026 Livestock Forage Disaster Program list. Applications for 2026 losses are due March 1, 2027; FSA decides each operation's eligibility.

The nearest active New World screwworm zone in Texas (TAHC) is roughly 296 miles from Amarillo in a straight line. Animals leaving an infested zone need TAHC inspection and treatment.

Source: Cownty (cownty.com), from USDA data.