Missouri cattle producers have plenty to be proud of this year as sale barns across the state continue to post some of the strongest feeder calf prices in the nation.
New national rankings of top steer sales by weight group show Missouri markets repeatedly appearing among the highest prices recorded anywhere in the country, particularly in the lightweight calf divisions where buyer demand remains exceptionally strong.
The Show Me State’s performance was especially impressive in the 300 to 399 pound category. Four Missouri markets secured spots among the nation’s top five sales, with Callaway Livestock Center in Kingdom City, Joplin Regional Stockyards in Carthage, and Mid Missouri Stockyards in Phillipsburg all posting $740 per hundredweight sales. Those results placed Missouri alongside only one Kansas market in the elite group and demonstrated the premium buyers are willing to pay for quality Missouri calves.
Joplin Regional Stockyards continued its strong showing in the 400 to 499 pound division. The southwest Missouri market claimed the top sale reported nationally when 446 pound steers sold for $680 per hundredweight. Joplin also captured another Top Five position in the same category with a separate sale bringing $670 per hundredweight.
Missouri’s momentum carried into the 500 to 599 pound class as Callaway Livestock Center recorded one of the nation’s highest prices at $590 per hundredweight. Interstate Regional Stockyards in Cuba and Joplin Regional Stockyards also earned places among the country’s top reported sales for the weight group.
Even in the heavier divisions, Missouri remained competitive. Unionville Livestock Market earned a national Top Five ranking in the 900 to 999 pound category, further demonstrating the strength of Missouri cattle from weaning through finishing weights.
The rankings come at a time when cattle supplies remain historically tight across the United States. With fewer calves available nationwide, buyers are aggressively pursuing high quality feeder cattle, creating intense competition in auction rings across the country.
Missouri’s repeated appearance throughout the national leaderboard reflects more than strong market conditions. It highlights the reputation Missouri cattle producers have built for raising healthy, desirable calves backed by sound genetics and management practices.
For ranchers hauling cattle to town this year, the message from buyers is clear. Whether the calves are headed for grass, a backgrounding operation, or a feedyard, Missouri cattle remain in high demand. And as markets continue to search for inventory in a time of limited supplies, Missouri sale barns are proving they can compete with the biggest cattle markets in America and often come out on top.