Calf Prices Remain Strong

At this year’s Outlook Conference for Ag Lenders, NDSU Livestock Economist Tim Petry spoke about the current state of livestock markets. The calf marketing season is just starting. “Calf prices are very similar to last year as all cattle prices are higher, except cows, thanks to beef cow slaughter being down 16 percent.” Feeder calf prices are very similar to last year’s record high levels. Petry thinks producers should consider backgrounding cattle this year. “Feed prices are low this year and our budget so far is showing that there’s money to make in backgrounding for those that do it.”