Calf prices continue breaking records

As the calendar turned the page to a new year, USDA reported the number of beef cows dropped by 1% last year, the sixth straight year of decline since the peak in 2019. All cattle on feed also slipped 1% in 2024. Markets have responded accordingly to the tighter inventory as cattle feeders look to fill pens.

Dairy-beef calf prices from across the country have continued to skyrocket, reaching historical highs. East to west prices in late March for dairy-beef cross bull calves reported by USDA and regional auction markets include:

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