The butcher bull market is sky high and, if early production sales are any indication, so will be the price of a registered bull this spring. Bill Pelton is a third generation rancher raised in Montana. With a degree in Animal Science/Ag Production from Montana State University, Pelton now spends his spring on the road helping ranchers market their livestock.
According to Pelton, bull sale prices are trending anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 higher than they were in 2014. Pelton contributes this to a strong butcher bull market and the fact that people were a bit hungry for some new genetics. “People have kept their bull battery pretty trimmed back,” said Pelton in a recent interview with Haylie Shipp.
Recent sales have boasted average prices well over the $8,000 mark while some animals are still selling for much less. At the Lassle Ranch Simmental Sale in Glendive, the top bull sold for $51,000!
There is a big demand for heifer bulls again in 2015, Pelton says. While that trend continues, a trend that he has seen develop more this year is the demand for animals that fit into a crossbreeding environment. “The crossbreeding concept is picking up a bit of steam,” said Pelton, “especially in the Hereford and Red Angus area.” He noted an elevated interest in females in those breeds.
So what can you pay for a bull? Pelton says that, in theory, you can pay up to four times the price of a steer calf for a bull and make it economical feasible.
For Bill Pelton's reports from recent production sales, CLICK HERE.
For Northern Ag Network's Bull Sales Listings and reports, CLICK HERE.
