LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Beef x dairy feeder cattle have become a mainstream source of inventory for feedyards as feeder prices remain historically strong and traditional cattle supplies stay tight. New marketing data show buyers increasingly value genetics, dam type, and management details when bidding on dairy-cross cattle.
An analysis of 2025 sales by Cattle Marketing Services, Inc. covered nearly 95,000 head across 469 groups, with average weights near 525 pounds. From January 2025 to January 2026, beef x dairy prices rose about $176 per hundredweight, translating to more than $1,000 per head on a 600-pound feeder. Pricing also showed the steepest weight slide on record, with values falling roughly $60 per hundredweight for each additional 100 pounds.
Genetics and dam type were major price drivers. Holstein-dam cattle brought nearly $27 per hundredweight more than non-Holstein crosses, while Angus-sired calves commanded premiums exceeding $15 per hundredweight. Verified programs and non-hormone-treated cattle added further value.
Group size had a limited influence on price, reinforcing that buyers prioritize cattle quality over load size. Average prices for 500-pound beef x dairy steers closely matched native steer values, underscoring broad market acceptance.
Looking ahead, the data suggest beef x dairy cattle will remain a critical supply source as feedyards manage tighter inventories and rising capital requirements.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
We caught up with Karen Braun, Chief Market Analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge, at the Women in Agribusiness to discuss the data behind commodity trading.
September 29, 2025 03:30 PM
·
Weston Brown joined us on Monday in the RFD-TV Studios in Nashville to share how he is preparing for the upcoming National FFA Convention & Expo.
September 29, 2025 02:58 PM
·
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us Monday to share highlights from Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.
September 29, 2025 02:14 PM
·
A booming butterfat market is good for some dairy products but threatens efficiency and margins for cheesemakers unless protein levels catch up
September 29, 2025 12:53 PM
·
Land values are increasing faster than farm income, making it more challenging for young and beginning farmers to expand, but supporting equity for current landowners.
September 29, 2025 09:58 AM
·
While treatable with a vaccine, anthrax is a dangerous threat to cattle herd health if not identified and treated immediately.
September 26, 2025 06:10 PM
·
Smaller flocks and lower lay rates are pressuring table egg supplies, even as hatchery activity edges higher.
September 26, 2025 04:58 PM
·
Strong corn exports are anchoring U.S. trade, while soybean sales remain steady, but shipments lag.
September 26, 2025 04:48 PM
·
Smaller slaughter numbers across beef and pork signal tighter supplies into late 2025, while record-low veal production highlights ongoing structural changes in the sector.
September 26, 2025 04:35 PM
·
