Cow prices and age

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We've been offered two bred beef cows for $450 apiece. They're six years old. No calf at side (which makes me think they did not calf this year) Good deal?

-- Paul Wheaton (paul@javaranch.com), August 05, 2001

Answers

Locally such cows would go for $.41-$.47, depending on the buyer's estimate on how much meat the carcass will produce (high-cutters vs low-cutters). If they average 900 pounds each, then would be high for here.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), August 05, 2001.

Of course I meant $.41 - $.47 per pound liveweight.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), August 05, 2001.

They're getting on in age a little - enough so that number of years of calving left has to become a consideration. If you did it I'd try and ensure a guarantee at least that they are in calf and disease free, and preferably that they will calve successfully.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), August 05, 2001.

No great find, but not bad either in today's market. I'd call it a fair market price.

-- Jennifer L. (Northern NYS) (jlance@nospammail.com), August 05, 2001.

I just paid 300.00 for a 500lb beef heifer .6 isnt that old they have had 3 , 4 tops for calfs.

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), August 05, 2001.


My goodness, I just sold an 8 week old holstein steer calf at 195 lbs for $1 a lb liveweight. At the local auction house here in Staunton, Va. We have been getting good rains this year, and farmers have plenty of hay for this winter. Spring prices are still holding!

-- daffodyllady (daffodyllady@yahoo.com), August 06, 2001.

I think that it is a very good deal. Here at our local sale barns similar bred cows have been getting $800 to $1000 dollars or more. The most likely reason they don't have calves at the side is that they were probably weaned off and kept at home to feed. You should be able to get calves out of these cows for at least another 4-5 years or more.

-- Matt O in ND (moneil99@hotmail.com), March 27, 2002.

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