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Columbia Livestock Market Report

  9/21/26 - 537 hd

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Sorry I haven’t had a commentary the last 4 weeks as the market was in a downward spiral. I could have analyzed all the reasons, Mexican border opening — imports increasing — merly bug eating the grass — etc. But as we all enjoyed the peak, we knew it was too high. We had an

adjustment. Cattle are still $800–$900 higher than input costs.

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The calves that are taking the biggest hit are the plainer calves, because premiums were being paid the same if they had four legs. Always the thin-boned, short, genetic impaired are discounted more in a weaker market. So it is so important that you try to have an above-average cow and use a good bull from a purebred seed stock producer that has semen test, papers showing Expected Progeny Data that will improve the  calves, something the buyers are looking for in sales rings.

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This downturn is unlike any cycle we have experienced.

1. Numbers are lowest since 60’s

2. Heifers are very low % retained for rebuilding.

3. Hopefully consumers will be able to distinguish where their beef originates. EAT USA Beef. 

With all said, prices are still steady at a new level for #1 calves. Example was Labor Day Sale 2 weeks ago. The ring was packed for the 2 special replacement groups.1st calf heifers with calf by side — $4,000–$4,800 2–3 month bred, 3–5 yr old #1, mostly Brangus cows were $3,000–$3,500

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Market Notes

• C/C pairs — $1,500–$1,800

• Bred cows, 900–1,200 lb — $1.51–$2.20/lb

• Open feeder cows, 800–1,100 lb — $1.22–$1.81/lb

• Slaughter cows, 900–1,400 lb — $1.27–$1.51/lb