What is the Current Market Price for Beef Cattle?

The market price for beef cattle fluctuates daily based on supply, demand, and other economic factors. Here is an overview of the current market prices for different classes of beef cattle in the United States.

Feeder Cattle Prices

Feeder cattle are young cattle that have been weaned from their mothers and are raised on pasture or “backgrounded” until they reach 600-800 pounds. At this point, they are sold to feedlots to be fattened on grain until they reach slaughter weights.

The most widely reported price for feeder cattle is the CME Feeder Cattle futures contract price. As of May 2025, the CME Feeder Cattle futures price is around $142/cwt for August 2025 contracts This equates to a market price of approximately $1.42 per pound for a 750 lb feeder steer

In addition to the futures market, there are weekly statewide average prices compiled by the USDA and private services. According to the Cattle Range weekly feeder cattle price report for the week ending May 16, 2025, statewide average steer prices range from around $135/cwt in Nebraska to $185/cwt in Hawaii. Heifer prices range from $120/cwt in Nebraska to $165 in Hawaii.

Individual auction markets may see significant variation from statewide averages based on local supply and demand. For instance the top price reported at Philip Livestock Auction in South Dakota this past week was $210/cwt.

Feedlot/Fed Cattle Prices

Once feeder cattle reach slaughter weights of 1,100-1,500 lbs, they are sold to meat packing plants as fed cattle. There are two main classifications – steers/heifers sold on a live weight basis and cows/bulls sold on a dressed weight basis.

The CME Live Cattle futures contract reflects the expected live market for slaughter steers and heifers Currently, the June 2025 Live Cattle futures are around $138/cwt. With average slaughter weights, this translates into about $138/lb for a 1,300 lb steer.

The CME Lean Hog futures represent the dressed market for slaughter cows and bulls. The current Lean Hog futures price is around $99/cwt, or about $0.99/lb carcass weight.

Like feeder cattle, there are weekly price reports that track regional fed cattle prices. The 5-area weighted average steer price for the week ending May 9, 2025 was $138.37/cwt live weight. The dressed steer price averaged $217.51/cwt or about $1.35/lb carcass weight.

Calves and Replacement Heifers

In addition to cattle destined for feeding and slaughter, there is also a market for calves and bred or open replacement heifers.

Lighter weight calves under 500 lbs sold for steer calves average around $162/cwt, while heifer calves averaged around $154/cwt this past week, according to the National Calf Tracker report. Prices tend to decline significantly for calves under 300 lbs.

Bred cows and first-calf heifers intended for production herds range more widely based on age, genetics, pregnancy check status, and other factors. Prices generally range from $1,500-$2,500 per head.

Market Factors

There are a variety of factors that impact the current market prices for all classes of cattle:

• Supply – Drought, high feed costs, and herd retention affect available supply. Current US cattle inventory is near historic lows.

• Demand – Export demand and domestic beef demand drive packing plant demand for fed cattle. Per capita beef consumption has declined slightly in recent years.

• Corn prices – As the major feed source for cattle, corn prices directly impact feeder cattle and fed cattle prices. Corn futures are currently around $4.50/bushel.

• Input costs – Fuel, fertilizer, and other input costs contribute to breakeven prices for cow-calf producers.

Understanding the current market fundamentals and price relationships between different classes of cattle is essential for cattle producers, stockers, and feedlots looking to buy, sell, or hedge cattle. While national average prices provide a baseline, knowing local market trends and competitive factors is key to maximizing profits.