Tues., May 7, 2019 - Packer Day/Breeding Stock

May 9 cow sale report

404 head of breeding bulls, cow/calf pairs, and bred cows were offered to a large crowd at this, the May breeding stock sale. May is a very difficult time to sell bred stock for many of the reasons stated unless the cows are bred specifically for fall calving with bull turn in dates and calving periods named.

28 very good quality tested breeding bulls sold. With nearly every cowman having his bulls in place at this late date, many sold worth the money as most of the buyers were only buying a possible replacement if their own bull should go bad.

 The cow/calf pairs sold very well considering the cattle market seems to be going backwards. Several spring calving producers bought younger cows with calves at side to replace open cows and the late calvers. It’s just too late to buy spring calving cows.

Fall calving cows that were bred that way so their calves come after September 1 were in high demand as several producers are tired of spring calving weather conditions and are converting to fall. They want their calves to be strong and up and going before winter sets in. Cows that were legitimately bred for fall calving are much more desirable than late bred spring calving cows because of the certainty of calving dates. Summer calvers are not wanted in fall calving programs, nor are they wanted in spring calving programs

 2^nd and 3^rd period cows that were supposed to calve in the optimum spring calving period of March and April were a difficult sell. With the middle of May just around the corner, they do not fit the spring calving time frame of most producers, so they get sold and that eliminates other spring calving programs needing cows for the same reason. So, they buy pairs to try to keep on schedule. Many of these 3^rd period cows could calve in the heat of July and August and that’s not very popular. 2^nd period cows could very well also calve in the heat before September and that doesn’t work for fall calving programs either.

28 breeding bulls sold with the better black yearlings bringing from $1350-$1800. A few black and charolais 2-3 year olds brought $1575-$2000.

138 younger cow/calf pairs sold in a mostly narrow range with most being very good quality. The best brought from $1575-$1875, average were $1300-$1550, and a few $1200/down. Older mature cows with cows brought $1200-$1800.

299 test cows sold with 56 head weighed up for slaughter being open, of poor quality, having bad bags, or attitude problems. The 243 others sold by the head with the legitimate fall calving much more in demand. A large percentage of the fall calvers were 4-5 years old and sold between $1500 and $1800 per head with older and less desirable bringing less.. The cows that were supposedly bred for spring calving, but bred late, brought $250-$400 less because of the uncertainty of calving dates. One thing for sure, two of the most uncertain things in selling cows are aging them, and getting close on calving dates. The percentage of accuracy isn’t great and varies with the ones doing it. There are several variables and 100 percent accuracy is impossible.

5-6 year old 3^rd periods had the very best from $1000 to a couple at $1400. Many of these brought right at slaughter price. Some of these had questionable bags or attitude problems. There were not a lot of older 3^rd stage cows and they brought mostly $1000

490 head of slaughter cattle sold with 150 head being fed steers & heifers.  After the April contract expired last week, the live market has had trouble finding any positive news to slow the lower packer bids!  Top today was 126.50 with the bulk selling from 123.00 to 125.50.

Cull cows & bulls sold steady.

Please note:
The market report is reflective of the majority of classes and grades of livestock offered for sale.  There may be instances where some sales do not fit within reporting guidelines and therefore will not be included in the report.  Prices are reported on a per cwt. basis, unless otherwise noted