Aberdeen Livestock owner Kevin Larson notes increased backgrounding activity in his area. “You’re seeing new people and people who have not backgrounded cattle for years that are buying calves and adding to their herds.” Larson doesn’t expect a major rebuilding of the cow herd, but anticipates some activity. What a difference a year makes. “A year ago in September, we were selling a lot of these cows that were bred for 90-95 cents a pound and now bringing $2,300 up to $2,600 (per head) for a running-age bred cow. It’s a big difference in just one year.” Larson believes he’ll see $3,000-to-$4,000 per head prices for the right kind of cows this winter.
