Calf numbers are picking up at the regional auction markets, and September cattle market prices are holding above year ago levels. Particularly, double-digit gains have been seen in the 400-to-500 pound calves in Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and several other states. “South Dakota prices increased 14 percent on a monthly average basis compared to one year ago,” says Katelyn McCullock, senior economist, Livestock Marketing Information Center. “A lot of that is dependent on how backgrounder and stocker operations feel about forage and feed supplies moving into winter.” However, feeder cattle prices have been volatile this past year. That uncertainty is expected to continue, at least in the coming months. The million-dollar question is, ‘When will the markets return to a more seasonal pattern?’ According to McCullock, the markets could still be dealing with this at least through the early part of 2021. Listen to the full RRFN story.