Farmers' cautious plans to rebuild mark a turning point after a continuous downsizing of the herd for six years in a row pushed beef prices to record highs in 2025. After delays due to persistent dryness, improved rains are motivating the expansion, along with expectations that cattle prices will remain lofty during the long rebuilding process, ranchers said. It takes about two years before beef output rises after ranchers make initial moves to expand because that is how long it takes to raise full-grown cattle, ranchers said. Herd rebuilding will begin in earnest next year, and the beef business will see benefits in 2028, King said. High cattle prices encouraged him to expand a bit now that his son has returned home from college and provides extra help.