We ship to Oklahoma National Stockyards. My experience with local salebarns is most guys that sale at them don't keep calves much past 60-90 days weaning. When the 750-850 weights come through there's not enough for a truck load so they discount them. The reason for the discount is the buyers have to do something with them until they get a truck load and this cost them.No way...what sales barn are you using Lucky?....680 to 780 lb heifers even a 877 steer selling for well-over $2. Whatever sales barn you're selling at consider yourself Lucky. I've now had three learning lessons over 750lbs in steer of heifers is BAD...I only got $1.60 to $1.90 max...and these were nice blump calves at 13 to 17 months. I won't ever let mine get much past 550lbs from what I've learned here in West and Decatur. Your situation is a non-reality for my location.
You should download the Cattle Market Mobile app. It will show you sale results from across the country. It's interesting to look at. Also if you have time watch the Monday OKC sale on LMAAuction.
Again everyone needs to play to their situation and market but it is interesting to learn what goes on as a whole. We weaned on trailer for years then 60 days, then 90 days then grew into 180 days +. I still wonder what is best. The main thing I tell people wanting to get into cattle is get yourself in a situation were you never have to sell your calves. Having to sell is what hurt us for years.