By Josh Maples
Cattle prices are incredible. Nearly all weights and types of cattle sold this fall are fetching the highest prices ever. Just four years ago, 650 lb. steers in Mississippi were averaging about $850 for the total price of the animal. This fall, those same steers are averaging about $2,200 per head. Even 250 lb. bull calves are averaging over $1,000 per head and outpacing the 650 lb. steer value from a few years ago.
Cattle prices differ based on weight and sex of the animal. Lighter weight cattle are typically worth more per pound than heavier cattle. This is because of their growth potential and ability of the buyer to add more pounds (value) to a lighter animal than they could to a heavier animal.