40th annual beef showcase brings in increase for average sales over last year

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 12, 2026) – The 2026 Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo finished with more than $940,000 in total sales in the 40th edition of the event at the Kentucky Exposition Center during the first weekend of March.

Total sales in 2026 were $942,300 – a $239,763 increase over last year’s sales. The average sale per lot also increased from $3,369 last year to $4,706 this year – a difference of $1,337. Although the show saw an increase in total sales and average lot sales, the number of lots sold decreased by 10 from last year to 198 this year, in line with a nationwide decrease in cattle inventory. The smaller inventory is creating strong cattle prices for producers.

“The latest numbers show cattle and calves are Kentucky’s number one commodity bringing in more than $1 billion in agricultural cash receipts. As the largest beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River, the Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo showcases the importance of this industry,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “Although the number of lot sales were down, we are excited to see average sale prices on the rise, showing the resiliency and strength of this agricultural sector.”

Angus cattle brought an average of $5,983 per lot to lead all breeds. The sale topper was a $40,000 Angus female from Circle M Farms out of Rockwall, Texas. The Beef Expo welcomed 12 states, including Kentucky, and six breeds this year.

In the junior show, 409 cattle from eight states passed through the show ring, including 189 from Kentucky.

The 2026 Beef Expo’s main sponsors were Kentucky Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Images of the Beef Expo can be found by clicking here.