The fall run of cattle is picking up pace at auction barns across the Northern Plains. Hub City Livestock co-owner Steve Hellwig says the number of yearlings running through the ring is surprising for this time of year. However, compared to last year, prices are lower. Dickinson, North Dakota-based Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange owner Larry Schnell started selling calves six weeks ago, having large runs since that time. The recent sales are averaging 6,000 to 8,000 head. “Condition of the calves is very good and in many cases heavier than we would’ve expected,” says Schnell. “I would guess a lot of these calves are selling $10 per hundredweight less than one year ago. Prices have come back a lot since September, though.” The cow market has been resilient this year. In a typical year, Hellwig says the market has hit its low by mid-November. “They’ve actually went higher, which is completely uncharacteristic.” Both Hub City Livestock and Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange will be hosting special bred female sales throughout December. Listen to the full story.