A 500 pound steer brings about $850-$900 at sale barn. But hay is $120-$150 a ton. So to feed a cow and calf til 205 days cost pretty much what your going to make from the sale of the steer? So my question is. How do I sell my steers to actually make money ? I have heard restaurants, feedlots at 900 pounds, or slaughter plants at 1,200 pounds. Seems it would be more profitable to buy $300 weaned Calves and feed them til 500 - 600 pounds and take them to sale barn opposed to cow calf operation. Advice experience thanks !