David Anderson

Byproduct values for cattle and hogs have surged higher in recent weeks to the highest levels since January 2023 for cattle and January 2024 for hogs. Byproducts include the hides, offal, variety meats (organs) and many other items. Byproduct values are often referred to as the “drop credit” because it’s the value of anything that “drops” off the carcass in the packing plant. Cattle Steers’ hide and offal values have climbed from $12.32 per cwt to $14.35 per cwt over the last two months.

*This is the next article in our 2026 Southwest Economic Outlook series. Economists from Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma State University Extension provide a 2026 outlook on various topics and commodities. A digital copy of the Economic Outlook Issue is also available online.

*This is the next article in our 2026 Southwest Economic Outlook series. Economists from Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma State University Extension provide a 2026 outlook on various topics and commodities. A digital copy of the Economic Outlook Issue is also available online.