Cattle Price Dynamics in Tennessee Analyzed

Steer vs. Bull Market Values Compared

The economic landscape for cattle producers in Tennessee is marked by varying returns on steers, bulls, and value-added cattle.

A recent 14-month study provides crucial insights into these price discrepancies, aiding producers in making informed management decisions.

According to the Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center, bull calves at 525 pounds were priced $88 less per head than steers of the same weight, with the gap widening to $125 per head for 625-pound bulls.

Both 525-pound steers and 625-pound bulls held an average value of $1,512, demonstrating the impact of cattle class on market pricing.

For value-added cattle, defined locally as weaned and vaccinated, the premium was clear. These steers brought in an extra $85 per head at 525 pounds and $116 more at 625 pounds, compared to their non-value-added counterparts.

The economic analysis extended to evaluating the gains from upgrading a 525-pound steer to a 625-pound value-added steer, which yielded an additional $241 per head. This illustrates the potential profitability of investing in enhanced management practices such as vaccination and weaning.

"Employing advanced management practices such as weaning and vaccinating not only enhances the welfare of the animals but also significantly boosts their market value," emphasizes the research report.

This reflects a critical need for education on both fundamental and advanced cattle management techniques among producers.

This study underscores the importance of strategic management in cattle production, offering tangible benefits to those willing to invest in better practices, and highlights the economic advantages of adopting advanced livestock management technologies.