The total value of an 805 lbs steer yearling calf was $1,158.Ī fully fattened steer weighing 1140 lbs sold for an average of $128.50 CWT (1.28 per lb) in January 2023. The total average price for that 320 lbs steer calf was $560.00.īut, a steer yearling that weighed 805 lbs sold for an average of $143.86 CWT ($1.43 per lb). For example, in January 2023, a steer calf weighing 320 lbs would be worth an average value of $2.05 CWT ($2.05 per lb). Average steer price $165 CWT ($1.65 per pound)Īs cows gain weight, they are worth more, but their value per CWT goes down.You can check out live cattle futures to see the current value. The average CWT is currently between $145-$160. Some cattle sell for as much as $170 CWT or $1.70 per pound. CWT means hundredweight, a weight measurement that means 100 lbs.īut, the early part of 2023 is showing much higher prices already. Initially, Southeast AgNet estimated steer prices to be $120-$150 CWT. Cow prices in the UK and Europe can be found here. Let’s take a look at how that has affected the earlier average cost of a cow. This means that cow prices are also increasing. Average Value (Cost) of a Feeder Calf in The USA in 2024 Average Cost of A Feeder Calf in the USA 2023Ĭalves are more CWT but less per head Cost of a Cow in the USA in 2023Īs inflation hits the United States, the value of beef rises. Dairy yearlings cost between $800-$1,200. The variance depends on the breed and quality of the cow.ĭairy cows are usually priced as a whole, and their worth is based on their mother’s milk output. The per-pound worth of a beef calf is usually $1.45-$1.70. Beef yearlings are usually priced per weight. Additionally, calves without colostrum will struggle to gain weight as they age. This will cost you more money in the long run.

Some people wean calves too young, putting the calf at a high risk of a low-weight gain. If you see a weaned calf for sale that seems like it’s a meager price- be sure to ask how old it is and if it had colostrum when born. Most weaned calves cost between $500-$600. They cost between $500 and $800, depending on the breed. Weaned calves, those around 3-6 months in age, have a much higher chance of living. In some parts of the USA, bottle calves can cost as little as $100. Sickly and low-weight bottle calves are worthless. Older bottle calves are worth more as they gain weight. Bottle Calf Worth:īottle calves usually cost $150 to $300. While dairy calves are price by age, beef calves are usually weighed and sold according to weight. The older a calf is, the bigger it weighs and the more it’s worth. Day-old calves are much cheaper to buy but require a lot more work. The cost of a calf varies based on gender, age, and weight. This is partially due to increased fuel costs and overall supply cost increases. In the fall of 2021, Hay expenses increased. Hay Costs to grow (2.5 tons per cow estimated)Įstimated annual depreciation of cows (on taxes) His estimates included the following expenses: Expense This estimate account for you growing the hay needed to feed the cow. Greg Halich, from the University of Kentucky, estimated that 2021 profit per cow would be $608. It’s essential to calculate the average per cow expense when calculating the profitability of a cow. Feeder calves are the cheapest cattle to purchase Estimated Variable Expense Per Cow

When you factor in an 85% weaning rate, the average value of each cow is $682. Average Calf Revenue Per Cow: Average Revenue Per CowĬalculating an average CWT of 150 per 100 lbs of cow ($1.55 per pound), the average weight of a calf is worth $802. 85% continues to prove a reliable number according to studies by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Kentucky. If you have 100 cows and expect to sell 85 calves (85% of bred cows), then your average profit from each cow is $608. Sadly, some of the calves will die between calving and weaning. It’s best to use a weaning rate of 85%, meaning that 85% of the cows bred with bulls will have calves sold after weaning. That is, 90% of the cows bred with bulls will calve. If you are raising calves, then a fertility rate of approximately 90% is usually used. I go into these numbers more in-depth below. Per Cow Cost by Weight in 2023 Type of Cow Cost

Feeder cattle prices per pound