By Andi Anderson
Cattle prices are reaching unprecedented levels this fall. For example, 650 lb. steers in Mississippi that sold for about $850 four years ago are now averaging $2,200 per head. Even 250 lb. bull calves are selling for over $1,000 per head, surpassing prices from a few years ago for much heavier steers.
Price differences depend on both weight and sex. Lighter cattle often sell for more per pound due to their growth potential, while heavier cattle are worth more per head because the price multiplies across a larger weight.
Steers generally command higher prices than bulls. Being castrated, steers are less aggressive, easier to manage, and preferred by feedlots. Buyers often discount bull calves to cover the cost and stress of castration and potential weight loss. Lighter bull calves usually face smaller per-pound discounts than heavier ones.
Steers are also typically worth more than heifers because they grow more efficiently and produce heavier carcasses with better yield. Data from Oklahoma shows that 400-500 lb. heifers are generally priced at 80% to 90% of steer value, with recent averages closer to 90%. Bull prices usually range from 90% to 95% of steer prices. At current price levels, even a 5% to 10% discount represents $110 to $220 per 450 lb. calf, compared to only $40 to $80 per calf in 2021.
These record prices influence producer management decisions. High values for light calves and bulls compared to previous years may mask the importance of good management, but careful practices continue to add substantial value. Producers can benefit from understanding how weight, sex, and management practices interact with market trends to make informed decisions.
Current market conditions highlight the importance of strategic planning, ensuring that producers capture the full value of their cattle through thoughtful selection, management, and timing of sales.
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Categories: Ohio, Livestock