Name: Public Auction Yards livestock auction prices — 2021-08-25
Creator: RaisedBeef
Published: 2021-08-25

Reporter comment USDA

As filed

Compared to last sale (8-11-21): Yearling steers were too lightly tested last sale to develop an accurate market trend, however higher undertones were noticed on steers less than 850 lbs and lower undertones were noticed on steers over 850 lbs. Steer calves sold mostly 10.00-12.00 higher in a narrow comparison. Yearling heifers 700-799 lbs sold 2.00-5.00 higher, heifers 800-950 lbs sold fully steady, heifers over 950 lbs sold mostly 1.00-3.00 higher. Heifer calves under 350 lbs were too lightly tested to develop an accurate market trend, however higher undertones were noticed; 350-499 lbs heifers sold steady to 5.00 higher; heifer calves over 500 lbs not well compared. Demand for calves was mostly moderate, while demand for yearlings was light to moderate. Quality this sale was mixed from plain to attractive. Many small packages of both calves and feeders were seen this sale forcing buyers to piece together loads. Market activity was slow to moderate. Weigh up cows sold on moderate demand for heavy offerings. Cows continue to sell three ways as buyers purchase them to feed, slaughter, and to return to the country to preg test. Demand from slaughter cow buyers was mixed this week, as buyers purchased cows that were mostly not suitable to feed. Fleshy breaking cows were lightly tested this this week, but these cows sold with very good demand as packers show need for these offerings to blend down the glut of lean product hitting the market. Breaking cows sold mostly 2.00-4.00 higher, boning cows sold generally steady and lean cows sold mostly 2.00-3.00 lower. Feeding cows sold steady to 2.00 higher. Cow quality this week was plain to average. Cow yields are moving lower as many cows are in poor body condition coming off range and pasture after this summers drought. Slaughter bulls sold fully steady as several packer buyers aggressively bid on bulls this week. Bulls continue to offer buyers seasonably low yields . Weigh up conditions were mostly average to below average this sale. Replacement type cows sold generally steady. Demand for these offerings was moderate to good with several buyers searching for these offerings this week.

Weight class

Heifers · summary 0–100 lb

Weighted average of every reported lot

0–100 lb heifers averaged $150.33/cwt on 836 head.

Average price

$150.33

836 head · 731 lb average

Value per head Derived

$1,098

Price × average weight ÷ 100

Grade differential Derived

−$419

per head · Medium 1 over Large 1

$19.17/cwt at this weight

vs the market

−12.38

vs MT average

What quality paid 0–100 lb

Frame and muscle grade

Frame / muscle	Avg wt	$/cwt	$/head	Head
Medium 1	622	152.29	947	37
Medium and Large 1	733	151.23	1,109	715
Medium 1-2	616	146.00	899	26
Medium and Large 1-2	663	144.90	961	33
Large 1	1,026	133.12	1,366	25

One grade step is worth $19.17/cwt here — about −$419 a head. Across this sale the premium is widest at 0–100 lb. USDA reports each grade on its own line and never publishes the spread.

How it compared 0–100 lb

Same class and week · spot auction only

This sale836 hd

150.33

—

MT average3 barns · 2,654 hd

162.71

−12.38

A barn can sit above the state average at one weight and below it at another — check the class you actually sell.

Slaughter cattle

By class and quality grade · $/cwt

Cull cows and bulls are graded, not weight-classed — grade is what moves the money here.

Class	Grade	Dressing	Avg wt	$/cwt	$/head	Head
Bulls	—	Average	1,781	83.84	1,493	92
Cows	Breaker 75-80%	Average	1,650	76.21	1,258	29
Cows	Boner 80-85%	Low	1,427	63.53	906	156
Cows	Lean 85-90%	Low	1,197	55.44	664	369

Every lot, as filed

106 lots · USDA AMS · Public Auction Yards Livestock Cattle Auction - Billings, MT (Wed)

Nothing removed and nothing rounded — the same lots as the USDA report, with per-head values added.

Class	Grade / description	Weight	Avg wt	Price	Range	Per head	Head
Steers	Large 1	—	1,033	139.50/cwt	137.00–143.00	1,441	27
Steers	Medium and Large 1	—	972	140.31/cwt	140.00–140.50	1,364	11
Steers	Medium and Large 2	—	921	137.00/cwt	137.00–137.00	1,262	9
Steers	Medium and Large 1-2	—	823	148.22/cwt	147.00–150.00	1,220	5
Heifers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	533	150.85/cwt	150.00–154.00	804	9
Heifers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	291	186.72/cwt	182.50–187.00	543	15
Steers	Medium and Large 1Full	—	854	151.00/cwt	151.00–151.00	1,290	6
Steers	Large 1	—	1,115	132.00/cwt	132.00–132.00	1,472	6
Steers	Medium 1	—	681	165.50/cwt	165.50–165.50	1,127	16
Steers	Medium 1-2	—	562	160.58/cwt	159.00–163.00	902	10
Heifers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	465	161.64/cwt	155.00–165.00	752	13
Heifers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	329	180.00/cwt	180.00–180.00	592	5
Heifers	Medium 1Unweaned	—	309	157.50/cwt	157.50–157.50	487	5
Heifers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	375	169.97/cwt	166.00–173.00	637	26
Heifers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	419	170.62/cwt	164.00–173.00	715	38
Heifers	Medium and Large 1-2Unweaned	—	374	164.00/cwt	164.00–164.00	613	9
Heifers	Large 1	—	1,075	129.67/cwt	128.00–131.50	1,394	6
Heifers	Medium and Large 1	—	868	144.29/cwt	142.50–146.75	1,252	102
Heifers	Medium 1	—	623	150.51/cwt	150.00–151.00	938	6
Heifers	Medium and Large 1	—	676	151.77/cwt	151.00–153.00	1,026	8
Heifers	Large 1	—	1,011	134.21/cwt	133.00–136.50	1,357	19
Heifers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	567	154.29/cwt	150.00–155.50	875	32
Heifers	Medium and Large 1-2	—	895	139.50/cwt	139.50–139.50	1,249	1
Heifers	Medium and Large 1	—	929	140.38/cwt	139.00–141.50	1,304	23
Heifers	Medium and Large 1	—	613	147.45/cwt	146.75–154.00	904	32
Heifers	Medium 1-2	—	693	143.00/cwt	143.00–143.00	991	11
Steers	Medium and Large 1	—	698	174.50/cwt	174.50–174.50	1,218	5
Steers	Medium and Large 1-2	—	735	157.61/cwt	151.00–162.00	1,158	8
Steers	Medium and Large 1	—	926	151.41/cwt	145.00–155.50	1,402	53
Steers	Medium and Large 1	—	776	164.41/cwt	162.00–169.00	1,276	30
Steers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	285	220.00/cwt	220.00–220.00	627	1
Steers	Medium and Large 1	—	836	163.15/cwt	158.50–165.50	1,364	9
Steers	Medium and Large 1	—	889	155.26/cwt	154.00–157.00	1,380	22
Steers	Medium and Large 1	—	732	169.45/cwt	167.00–172.00	1,240	10
Steers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	341	210.93/cwt	205.00–221.00	719	26
Steers	Medium and Large 1-2Unweaned	—	476	145.00/cwt	145.00–145.00	690	7
Steers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	566	160.80/cwt	160.00–161.00	910	5
Steers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	625	164.40/cwt	155.00–167.50	1,028	4
Dairy Steers	Large 3	—	963	74.50/cwt	74.50–74.50	717	6
Steers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	369	203.94/cwt	197.50–210.00	753	25
Steers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	217	230.65/cwt	225.00–240.00	501	3
Steers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	426	190.83/cwt	181.00–203.00	813	31
Steers	Medium and Large 1-2Unweaned	—	254	177.50/cwt	177.50–177.50	451	4
Steers	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	462	183.50/cwt	183.50–183.50	848	29
Dairy Steers	Large 3	—	784	67.00/cwt	67.00–67.00	525	23
Dairy Steers	Large 3	—	530	68.11/cwt	63.50–71.00	361	10
Dairy Steers	Large 3	—	413	63.00/cwt	63.00–63.00	260	10
Bulls	Large 1	—	1,124	117.74/cwt	117.00–120.00	1,323	4
Bulls	Medium and Large 1	—	815	134.00/cwt	134.00–134.00	1,092	3
Bulls	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	501	157.00/cwt	157.00–157.00	787	11
Bulls	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	450	164.00/cwt	164.00–164.00	738	20
Bulls	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	585	149.00/cwt	149.00–149.00	872	3
Bulls	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	686	144.00/cwt	144.00–144.00	988	7
Cows	Lean 85-90%	—	1,176	53.95/cwt	50.50–58.00	634	82
Cows	Lean 85-90%	—	1,173	60.40/cwt	58.50–62.00	708	2
Cows	Lean 85-90%	—	1,240	67.00/cwt	67.00–67.00	831	1
Cows	Lean 85-90%	—	1,265	41.00/cwt	41.00–41.00	519	1
Bulls	—	—	1,896	86.00/cwt	83.00–89.00	1,631	26
Cows	Boner 80-85%Return to Feed	—	1,402	55.70/cwt	55.00–62.00	781	25
Cows	Breaker 75-80%	—	1,624	77.20/cwt	74.00–78.50	1,254	7
Cows	Breaker 75-80%	—	1,566	68.99/cwt	68.50–73.00	1,080	9
Cows	Boner 80-85%	—	1,461	57.30/cwt	53.50–59.00	837	28
Cows	Boner 80-85%	—	1,497	61.99/cwt	60.00–64.00	928	10
Cows	Boner 80-85%Return to Feed	—	1,398	72.71/cwt	70.00–78.00	1,016	29
Bulls	—	—	1,690	76.25/cwt	65.00–81.00	1,289	17
Cows	Boner 80-85%	—	1,466	67.00/cwt	67.00–67.00	982	4
Cows	Lean 85-90%Light Weight	—	965	51.00/cwt	51.00–51.00	492	1
Cows	Breaker 75-80%	—	1,782	81.24/cwt	79.00–83.00	1,448	8
Cows	Boner 80-85%Return to Feed	—	1,421	65.28/cwt	62.00–69.25	928	60
Cows	Lean 85-90%Return to Feed	—	1,196	54.99/cwt	50.00–56.50	658	237
Cows	Lean 85-90%Return to Feed	—	1,247	60.48/cwt	59.50–63.50	754	45
Cows	Breaker 75-80%Return to Feed	—	1,629	79.79/cwt	79.00–80.00	1,300	5
Bulls	—	—	2,151	94.72/cwt	91.00–98.00	2,037	12
Bulls	—Return to Feed	—	1,705	85.88/cwt	82.00–90.00	1,464	19
Bulls	—Return to Feed	—	1,532	78.48/cwt	73.00–81.00	1,202	18
Cow-Calf Pairs	Medium and Large 1	—	1,761	1,525.00/cwt	1,525.00–1,525.00	26,855	4
Stock Cows	Medium and Large 1	—	1,143	73.95/cwt	68.00–77.00	845	8
Stock Cows	Medium and Large 1	—	1,031	81.29/cwt	73.00–95.00	838	61
Stock Cows	Medium and Large 1	—	1,414	54.00/cwt	54.00–54.00	764	5
Heifers	Medium and Large 1	—	776	151.67/cwt	147.00–153.50	1,177	118
Heifers	Medium and Large 1	—	743	152.78/cwt	148.00–156.00	1,135	134
Heifers	Medium 1-2	—	542	149.00/cwt	149.00–149.00	808	12
Heifers	Medium 1-2	—	630	145.00/cwt	145.00–145.00	914	3
Heifers	Medium and Large 1-2	—	805	130.00/cwt	130.00–130.00	1,047	13
Heifers	Medium and Large 1-2	—	763	144.02/cwt	143.00–145.00	1,099	4
Heifers	Medium and Large 1-2	—	683	150.00/cwt	150.00–150.00	1,025	6
Heifers	Medium and Large 1	—	971	135.27/cwt	133.50–140.50	1,313	33
Heifers	Medium and Large 1Fancy	—	916	144.25/cwt	144.25–144.25	1,321	23
Heifers	Medium and Large 1Full	—	709	144.00/cwt	144.00–144.00	1,021	4
Bulls	Medium 1	—	695	143.50/cwt	143.50–143.50	997	30
Bulls	Medium and Large 1Unweaned	—	358	210.00/cwt	210.00–210.00	752	2
Heifers	Medium and Large 1Full	—	790	145.90/cwt	145.50–146.00	1,153	10
Heifers	Medium and Large 1Full	—	823	141.27/cwt	140.00–143.00	1,163	14
Heifers	Medium and Large 1	—	818	145.92/cwt	144.00–147.50	1,194	76
Heifers	Medium 1	—	682	151.70/cwt	147.00–155.50	1,035	26
Cow-Calf Pairs	Medium and Large 1	—	1,705	1,510.00/cwt	1,510.00–1,510.00	25,746	7
Cow-Calf Pairs	Medium and Large 1	—	1,334	1,691.98/cwt	1,675.00–1,710.00	22,571	26
Cow-Calf Pairs	Medium and Large 1	—	1,513	1,666.12/cwt	1,650.00–1,685.00	25,208	19
Bred Cows	Small 2-3	—	773	41.65/cwt	39.50–44.00	322	40
Bred Cows	Medium and Large 1	—	1,207	58.08/cwt	57.00–58.25	701	72
Bred Cows	Medium and Large 1	—	1,308	61.25/cwt	56.50–65.00	801	52
Bred Cows	Medium and Large 1Thin Fleshed	—	1,089	54.28/cwt	54.00–54.50	591	34
Bred Cows	Medium and Large 1	—	1,086	1,017.72/cwt	1,000.00–1,025.00	11,052	12
Bred Cows	Medium and Large 1	—	1,233	56.76/cwt	56.50–57.00	700	8
Bred Cows	Medium and Large 1	—	1,282	1,025.00/cwt	1,025.00–1,025.00	13,141	81
Bred Heifers	Medium and Large 1	—	919	1,251.70/cwt	1,210.00–1,275.00	11,503	50

How this sale compares

Montana weighted averages

One sale is one barn on one day. The state ladder is every Montana auction USDA reported that week, weighted by head — the fairer test of whether a lot sold well.

Montana feeder prices, every weight →Every state and region →