Association Perspective
Rod Geppert shares positive outlook in Region 6.
Reporting from Region 6, I am Rod Geppert, regional manager for the American Angus Association. Region 6 includes Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Prices for feeder-calf and yearling cattle have been incredibly good in the region for most who have been fortunate to have feed on hand to keep inventory around to take advantage of the market. Right now, mostly 800- to 1,000-pound (lb.) calves are moving at a quick pace, commanding top prices. Just the other day, 350 black, 900-lb. calves sold in one group at a local sale barn at $251.75 per hundredweight (cwt.). That will pay some bills, folks. In addition, 450- to 500-lb. calves for fall delivery appear to be bringing $309.75-$375.00.
Angus-sired calves out of quality, registered Angus bulls have been part of the reason these feeder cattle are in high demand. We just concluded our bull sale season in Region 6, with the final sale in June. This season we marketed 9,782 registered Angus bulls at an average $7,212.
The weigh-up cow and bull market has been tremendous, and ranchers have taken advantage of moving those cattle out of inventory and cashing in. Certainly, there is a tremendous amount of optimism in the cattle business if you have inventory on hand.
Despite all the positivity, there are really no signs of rebuilding the cow herd in Region 6. Several producers have opted to sell all their replacement heifers and cash in on these markets.
Areas of the region have been dry, and there’s not much in feed reserves due to droughts the past couple of years. Many producers are making as much hay as they can and planting alternative forages to replenish the feed supply.
New-crop hay is still hovering at $200 per ton for those who are needing feed in drought areas; however, in parts of the region ranchers are making headway in replenishing their feed supply.
Please don’t hesitate to give me a call if you have questions locating Angus cattle to add to your existing herd or need assistance in programs in marketing your feeder cattle this fall.
Editor’s note: Rod Geppert serves as regional manager for Region 6, covering the states of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Click here to find the regional manager for your state.
