Although cull cow marketing may be lower on the priority list for cow/calf producers right now, capturing seasonal highs in the market can boost revenues, said Rob Ziegler, Extension specialist at the University of Wyoming, in a letter for the Livestock Marketing Information Center.
At this time of year, calving season likely is top of mind for many cow-calf producers across the High Plains, Ziegler said. This period also offers the first opportunity to add cows to the cull list based on conformation or temperament.
SEASONALITIES EVIDENT
Market seasonality is evident in most agriculture markets because of production calendars, biology or increased consumer demand during certain times of the year, and the cull cow market arguably is one of the most seasonal, he said.
The five-year average price for breaking 75% to 80% lean cows in Wyoming showed steady price increases starting in January, peaking in August and declining through the fall when most producers are culling open cows, Ziegler said. The difference of the five-year average between the January low and the August high was $28.10 per cwt, or 40%.
In Wyoming, 2023 followed a similar trend to the five-year average with a peak in August followed by a steady decline through the fall, he said. In 2024, the price peaked in June and followed a downward trend similar to the stock market and most classes of cattle.
The Southern Plains followed a similar historical pattern to Wyoming, with a noticeable peak in August, Ziegler said. If 2025 reflects what has happened in the past, producers can expect cull cow prices to reach seasonal highs during the summer months in the Northern and Southern plains.
THE PASTURE EFFECT
Seasonal peaks in cull cow markets coincide with times where destocking pastures can alleviate pressure on drought-stricken rangelands, he said. Drought across the High Plains persisted through the fall of 2024, with expanding severe drought across the Dakotas.
The last USDA Crop Progress report on pasture and range conditions, released on Oct. 28, indicated pasture in 51% of the contiguous 48 states were rated poor to very poor, Ziegler said, an increase of 15% from the previous year.
He hoped spring moisture brings relief, but if drought continues, a list of cull cows ready to market may help reduce stress on pastures and capture some of the historical high points of the cull cow market.
Though cull cow marketing and drought management may not be immediate concerns during calving season, proactive planning can alleviate pasture stress and improve financial outcomes, especially if drought conditions persist, he said.
CATTLE, BEEF RECAP
The USDA reported formula and contract base prices for live FOB steers and heifers this week ranged from $197.87 per cwt to $200.92, compared with last week’s range of $197.00 to $203.12 per cwt. FOB dressed steers, and heifers went for $310.41 per cwt to $314.20, compared with $310.62 to $313.95.
The USDA choice cutout Thursday was down $1.41 per cwt at $319.69 while select was off $0.06 at $307.47. The choice/select spread narrowed to $12.22 from $13.57 with 132 loads of fabricated product and 31 loads of trimmings and grinds sold into the spot market.
The USDA-listed the weighted average wholesale price for fresh 90% lean beef was $381.25 per cwt, and 50% beef was $115.25.
The USDA said basis bids for corn from feeders in the Southern Plains were unchanged at $1.20 to $1.32 a bushel over the May corn contract, which settled at $4.65 1/4, up $0.04 1/2.
The CME Feeder Cattle Index for the seven days ended Wednesday was $281.25 per cwt, up $2.54. This compares with Thursday’s Mar contract settlement of $280.22, down $0.02.