2024 Fall calf sales

[MurraysMutts]

What's everyone's thoughts?

I'm watching 4 wt calves bringing 1200 bucks or so today. Unweaned. Bulls, steers, heifers. Ballpark price.

I can't help but think, with all the cows that done went to slaughter, that fall sales of calves will be far less than in years past causing prices to rise this year.

@kenny thomas comment on prices not climbing in Sept/Oct got me to wondering if that will hold true as traditionally as years past.

I've a handful I may sell soon. It's either now or hold until September (which prices traditionally drop) or find a way to wean and hold til later.

 

[kenny thomas]

Im going to hold, sell, wean, feed. No idea whats the right thing. But in 50 years i have never seen the price go up in September and October. Hope this is the year.

 

[TCRanch]

 

[BC]

Remember October is National Dead Calf Month. Those receiving cattle at that time of the year figure in a higher death loss by lowering their bids.

 

[MurraysMutts]

View attachment 48139

Those prices actually look a bit better than today's sale!

Remember October is National Dead Calf Month. Those receiving cattle at that time of the year figure in a higher death loss by lowering their bids.

Yep! I know that's right. One buyer said he ain't gonna buy any in September either.

Just curious what everyone thinks about this crazy time we are in. I'm in a position that I do have a few options fortunately. That's one of the great things about cattle.... there is so many different ways to do it.

 

[bird dog]

OKC total calf sales have been down in numbers almost every week compared to last year. I agree with Murray here. There is just not enough to go around.

Another observation... very better or worse, cow size is shrinking fast. Cows over 1400 are all going to slaughter no matter the quality or preg status except for a few that are 8 months plus.

 

[kenny thomas]

OKC total calf sales have been down in numbers almost every week compared to last year. I agree with Murray here. There is just not enough to go around.

Another observation... very better or worse, cow size is shrinking fast. Cows over 1400 are all going to slaughter no matter the quality or preg status except for a few that are 8 months plus.

Im seeing the same thing here. It has to eventually make a difference in calf numbers. I do think once the fall runs start that the cow prices will come down a little because of people selling cows as they sell calves.

 

[MurraysMutts]

Short bred cows are completely outta hand. My buddy usually buys this time of year. Repeatedly out bid at $2000/HD

I overheard a comment the other from a packer buyer. The barn had held a cow because she calved before they picked up.
I guess that caused all kinds of problems. Next time, give the calf away and ship the cow!

I always get anxious to sell this time of year. It's like an itch that must be scratched!

 

[Louthelivestockguy]

Short bred cows are completely outta hand. My buddy usually buys this time of year. Repeatedly out bid at $2000/HD

I overheard a comment the other from a packer buyer. The barn had held a cow because she calved before they picked up.
I guess that caused all kinds of problems. Next time, give the calf away and ship the cow!

I always get anxious to sell this time of year. It's like an itch that must be scratched!

This is the time to either hold on and keep through winter with high inputs of hay and corn, or ship them while there is still grass around and before others bring their cow/calves in for sorting and weaning!

 

[Louthelivestockguy]

This is the time to either hold on and keep through winter with high inputs of hay and corn, or ship them while there is still grass around and before others bring their cow/calves in for sorting and weaning!

The biggest decision is do you have enough hay and $ to keep them and wait and grow? Sometimes it's better to take what you can get and move on!
I agree that calves are low in numbers and I can't see them dropping in price per pound much, but who really knows?!!

 

[MurraysMutts]

The biggest decision is do you have enough hay and $ to keep them and wait and grow? Sometimes it's better to take what you can get and move on!
I agree that calves are low in numbers and I can't see them dropping in price per pound much, but who really knows?!!

As soon as the board stumbled, all animals took a bit of a dive here. Made no sense at all aside from its getting closer to that normal September/October thing.

Calves, weaned and unweaned alike, lost about $100-150 per head from a couple weeks ago.

I suppose the folks that buy em, like buying them during September October because it will sure lower their average costs if they purchase good quality calves. The others will just wait til November maybe when they are higher! Hmmmmm