Yearlings and Calves Fetch Top Prices at NLVA Summertime Classic Sale

July 24, 2024

The Northern Livestock Video Auction's (NLVA) Summertime Classic sale offering189,000 head of feeder cattle this week. The event, held on July 22, 23, 24 & 25, witnessed robust demand steer and heifer calves, drawing buyers from across the country.

NLVA Auctioneer Ty Thompson highlighted the high demand for lighter weight cattle from states like Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho. "They just met with tremendous demand all the way through," he noted. "It didn't matter what the delivery dates were, and prices were notably higher than last year."

The sale saw a significant narrowing of the price gap between steers and heifers. Yearlings from across the trade area fetched exceptionally high prices, especially those part of specific programs. "They brought some extreme highs, and all the lighter weight yearlings brought a real big price," Thompson said.

Despite some market predictions, Thompson observed that there is little evidence of heifer retention among ranchers, with many choosing to sell rather than hold back for breeding programs. "The prices are staying so strong on all of them that I keep bringing them to town," he explained.

Click Here for Full USDA Market Report

Click Here for Full USDA Market Report

Highlighting some of the top prices, Thompson mentioned that 400-pound calves were sold for $4.15 to $4.20, while high four-weight to 500-pound calves fetched between $3.50 to $3.70. 550-pound steers were sold for $3.25 to $3.40, and program-specific calves went up to the mid-40s.

Yearling cattle continued to perform well, with light eight-weight steers reaching $2.75 to $2.80, and nine-weight steers fetching $2.45 to $2.55, with program steers going up to $2.70s. Heifers also saw significant demand, with many fetching between $2.38 to $2.50s.

Thompson, a seasoned auctioneer, reflected on the unprecedented nature of the current cattle market. "It seems like with every new sale, we get a little bit further into those uncharted waters," he remarked. Looking ahead, he remains optimistic about the market's stability. "I think this market will hold steady as we go forward."

Click Here for Full USDA Market Report

The consignment deadline for NLVA Early Fall Preview will be August 2, 2024 with the sale Taking place August 19 and 20. 

Source: Western Ag Network