Troy Applehans is a nationally recognized cattle market analyst with more than 30 years of experience across all segments of the U.S. beef cattle industry. As a Senior Market Analyst with CattleFax, he delivers clear, data-driven market insights that help producers and industry stakeholders manage risk and make informed marketing decisions.

Raised in Colorado, Troy developed a strong production-based foundation through hands-on involvement in registered and commercial cattle operations, livestock judging, and showing cattle. He holds an associate degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a concentration in livestock merchandising from Oklahoma State University. During his college career, he achieved two National Champion livestock judging titles.

Troy began his career with Cattle Today, providing merchandising support to registered cattle producers and serving as a ringman at more than 2,200 auctions nationwide. He later held leadership roles with the American Gelbvieh Association, owned and operated an Express Personnel Services franchise in Texas, and worked with Future Beef Operations overseeing feeder cattle and calf procurement and quality control.

A member of the CattleFax analyst team since 2003, Troy specializes on cow-calf and stocker operations and analysis in the Southern Plains and feedyard analysis across Colorado, Nebraska and the Corn Belt. He is a highly sought-after speaker throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico and has authored thousands of articles on cattle markets, production, and risk management. He also makes regular appearances on agricultural radio and television programs.

In addition to his analytical work, Troy remains actively involved in bred heifer development, cow-calf and stocker cattle enterprises, and ongoing sales ring work. This hands-on industry involvement strengthens his ability to deliver practical, real-world market insights tailored to the challenges and opportunities facing today’s producers.