Weather conditions will remain a critical factor influencing grazing availability, herd expansion and cattle prices. The labor market remained strong, with unemployment briefly rising midyear before falling to 4.1% as job creation outpaced expectations. for the 2025 market year,” Bockelmann said. Mike Murphy, CattleFax chief operating officer, forecasted the average 2025 fed steer price at $198/cwt., up $12/cwt. “While the cyclical upswing in cattle prices is expected to persist, the industry must prepare for market volatility and potential risks.