Cattle prices can fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including weight, breed, gender, and market conditions. Understanding these factors can help you estimate the cost of cattle in 2023.
Cost of Different Types of Cattle
The cost of a cow in 2023 ranges between $2,100 and $5,100, with the average price being $3,000 per adult cow. The actual cost depends on weight, gender, and breed. Yearlings tend to sell for $850 to $1,550.
- Beef cows: $2,500 to $3,000
- Dairy cows: Less expensive than beef cows
- Bulls: Higher prices than cows
- Cow and calf pairs: Typically cost less than individual animals
Price Calculation and Pasture Space
Cows can be sold for a flat price or based on weight. For instance, slaughter cows weighing 1,200 pounds can be priced at $50 for every 100 pounds.
In terms of space, two acres of pasture per cow is a recommended guideline for beef cows in Kentucky, a state with over 2 million cattle and being the 14th largest cattle state in the US. It also has the largest beef cow herd east of the Mississippi River.
Cattle Price Trends
Over the next three years, cattle prices are expected to rise. Heavier cattle often sell for less per pound due to lower feed efficiency. For instance, an 800-pound yearling sold at $1.25 per hundredweight with a slide adjustment can change the final net price.
Price Influences Throughout the Year
Cattle pricing is affected by supply, demand, and market conditions, which can vary throughout the year. However, cattle are sold year-round. Quality and weight can also affect carcass pricing, with quality carcasses being rewarded and undesirable traits causing discounts.
Feeder Cows and Cattle Slides
- Feeder cattle price: $3.62 per kilogram or $0.10 per ounce
- Slide on cattle: Measured in dollars per hundredweight ($/cwt) or cents per pound, affecting prices for heavier animals
Starting a Small Cattle Farm
When starting a small cattle farm, it’s crucial to budget properly and understand the costs involved in raising beef cattle and feeder steer.
Raising Cows on Limited Acreage
The average ratio in America is 1.8 cows per acre. Therefore, approximately 8–10 cows could potentially be raised on a five-acre plot.