499 HD

Trend:📈

Cows and Bulls Steady to $1 Higher

Steer & Bull Calves Steady to $5 Higher

Heifer Calves Mostly Steady

🔥 Check out these top prices! 🔥

THE HIGH CALF PER LB BROUGHT

$7.40 @ 230 lbs = $1,702

THE TOP CALF BROUGHT

$2,709

THE HIGH COW PER LB BROUGHT

$1.79 / LB @ 1200 lbs = $2,148

THE TOP COW BROUGHT

 $2,550

THE HIGH BULL PER LB BROUGHT

$2.31 / LB @ 2040 lbs = $4,724

THE TOP BULL BROUGHT

$4,724

This week at Cattlemen’s Livestock Market in Lakeland, Florida, we sold 498 head of cattle, and the market continues to hold strong across the board. According to Dave Tomkow, cows and bulls were steady to $1 higher, while steer calves and bulls were mostly steady to $10 higher. Heifer calves remained mostly steady as well.

The high calf per pound this week brought $7.40, while the high calf in the money sold for $2,709. On the cow side, the high butcher cow brought $1.79 per pound and topped out at $2,550 in the money. The high butcher bull brought an impressive $3.31 per pound, with the top bull bringing $4,724.

Dave noted that butcher cows and bulls are bringing serious money right now. If a cow isn’t raising a calf or a bull isn’t doing his job, he said it may be a good time to move them while the market is strong.

Even with the feeder and live cattle futures markets bouncing around, it hasn’t affected the sale ring the way it has in past years. Buyers are still competing hard because cattle numbers remain short, and that continues to support strong prices in the ring.

Looking ahead, Dave expects the market to stay relatively steady through the end of May and possibly into early June. Prices could soften some later on, but at this point, he doesn’t expect a major drop.

Rainfall around Lakeland has been spotty, and while every bit helps, conditions are still dry overall. Grass remains short, and producers are encouraged to keep a close eye on cow condition and forage availability heading into summer.

Dave also stressed the importance of maintaining a solid health program. Salt, mineral, vaccinations, and working calves continue to add value. Steer calves that are cut and worked properly tend to put more dollars back in producers’ pockets.

At Cattlemen’s, competition in the ring continues working for the rancher, and the market still looks strong moving into summer.

As always, thank you to our producers, buyers, and everyone in between who trusts our family with their cattle marketing.

- Dave Tomkow

A healthy calf is a high-dollar calf.