Calf prices mixed across Panhandle barns; drought eases in 12 counties

Steer calves weighing 500–599 lb averaged $385.58 to $432.58 per hundredweight across seven USDA-reported area sales held Oct 27–29, a spread of $47.00; the top average was at Beaver. Compared with each barn's previous sale, the 5-weight steer average was higher at 2 barns and lower at 5. The seven sales reported 15,142 head in total.

USDA's market reporter at Dalhart noted: "Abundant rains in the area brought, not only stronger wheat, but reignited interest in lighter calves. Healthy, good quality steer calves weighing 350-500 pounds brought 40.00 higher on average."

On the U.S. Drought Monitor map dated Oct 27, 27 of the region's 49 counties had some severe drought (D2) or worse, and 15 had it across most of the county. Severe-or-worse coverage shrank by at least 5 points in 12 counties, including Hansford (TX), Ochiltree (TX), Lipscomb (TX), Hutchinson (TX) and 8 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 299 miles from Amarillo in a straight line. Animals leaving an infested zone need TAHC inspection and treatment.

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