Heifer prices steady, calf market soft

Despite drought-induced feed shortages and spiking grain costs, the price for top-end Holstein springing heifers remains firm nationwide. In fact, the value of highest-quality springers actually increased in the most recent sales of three of the four monitored locations. The only top-end drop was in Sulphur Springs, Texas, where the highest-value springers dropped significantly, from $1,575 in late June to $1,400 in late July. Heifer calf prices, meanwhile, are down nationwide, with the most appreciable drop in New Holland, Pa., where calves fell from $170-200 last month to $100-140 in the most recent market report.

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