Bred Cow Price Trend?

[Stocker Steve]

...One thing I do like seeing is folks selling more than just old and cull cows to take advantage of higher prices though while still keeping a cow herd.

I just sold three very good, young (1 coming 3 yr old, 2 coming 4 yr old) but very large bred cows. Tough decision to make but once they are gone I feel better and that it was the right decision. The herd just LOOKS better in the pasture.

I have seen a simplified calculation that added $100 per future calf to the replacement' value. They would add $300 to the salvage value of a bred replacement replacement - - and for a young proven cow perhaps more.

My 950# ranch cows should be safe, but even if you are selling average sized but older animals this approach would justify a lot of commercial cow culling with 2010 kill prices.

Do you see any problem with this approach aside from the additional up front cash required?