Cattle producers were in the field making hay and planting soybeans and according to University of Missouri Extension regional livestock specialist Zac Erwin that caused the top prices to be down at the recent Show-Me-Select heifer sale.

The average price for 146 replacement beef heifers was $1,977 at F&T Livestock Market in Palmyra. The top price was $2,300 per head, compared to earlier prices Show-Me-Select heifer sales of $2,500, $3,200 and $3,500.

"An inch of rain this afternoon would have helped prices," said Erwin, who is also co-manager of the sale, said in a recent news release.

SALE PRICES FALL: A recent Show-Me-Select sale saw heifer prices down from previous sales.

Sale manager Daniel Mallory explained that the cattle market had been in almost a constant decline from April to June. Despite the dropping cattle market, heifer prices held steady through the sale. "The price range was $600, top to bottom," he noted.

Sale results

Rich Vehige of Deer Creek Cattel Company in Clarksville was the top consignor during the Show-Me-Select heifer sale in Palmyra. His 36 heifers averaged $2,080.

Almost tying him at an average of $2,079 on 28 head was Terry Mudd of Twin Hill Stock Farms, Silex.

Both consignors used synchronized artificial insemination. After the sale, the two men said they were "very pleased," with the sale.

Palmyra was one of two locations where Show-Me-Select sales started 20 years ago. The northeast region has a reputation for high-quality replacement heifers. However, more heifers are sold in the fall sales for spring-calving herds. This was the second spring sale after an earlier attempt a few years ago did not attract enough bidders.

Move to fall calving

"Fall calving is gaining in north Missouri," said Dave Patterson, MU Extension beef specialist. "Fall calving is widely used in south Missouri. Down there, longer grazing seasons in the fall and milder winters help the practice."

In recent warm winters, fall calving moved north in Missouri. Fall herds calve in September when the weather is better. While spring calving brings with it the volatile and often harsh winter conditions in February.

Most of the spring-sale consignors are longtime participants in fall heifer sales for spring-calving herds.

Making the grade

Heifers are sold guaranteed pregnant. They have been preg checked within 30 days of the sale.

On arrival at the barn, all are checked by graders from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Those not conforming are not sold.

Herd owners interested in the SMS program can sign up with their regional MU Extension livestock specialist. For more information, go to agebb.missouri.edu/select.

Sales of spring-calving replacement heifers will be in November and December.

Source: University of Missouri Extension