ALTHOUGH prices for yearling steers are usually higher than those for yearling heifers, the premium for restocker yearling steers has widened further in the last six months.
This is largely due to the herd rebuild, meaning there is increased supply of heifers on-farm and producers are currently less inclined to buy heifers at the saleyards.
The restocker steer-to-heifer premium mimics the naturally occurring cattle cycle. Data indicates this premium reaches its widest point when cattle numbers have been rebuilt, or when drought-induced liquidation is at its most intense.
Looking at the…
