The October 9th LiveAg Video Auction from Fort Worth, Texas once again highlighted the strength and consistency of today’s livestock marketing landscape, connecting quality cattle with competitive buyers across the country. With 7,352 head offered and an impressive 99.1% clearance rate, the sale demonstrated continued buyer confidence in video auction platforms and the premium commanded by well-managed cattle.
Market Overview: Balanced Supply and Steady Demand
According to the official USDA Livestock, Poultry and Grain Market News Report, this week’s auction featured numerous attractive loads of yearling cattle and beef/dairy crosses, many with multiple rounds of vaccinations and optimal flesh conditions. The offering also included high-quality bred heifers and cow-calf pairs, underscoring buyer interest in both feeder and replacement cattle headed into fall.
The sale composition remained heavily weighted toward feeder cattle, representing 96% of the total receipts, while replacement cattle made up 4%.
- Feeder Cattle Breakdown: 46% steers, 6% dairy steers, 33% heifers, 8% beef/dairy steers, 7% beef/dairy heifers
- Replacement Cattle: 8% bred cows, 54% bred heifers, 38% cow-calf pairs
- Feeder cattle over 600 lbs: 83% of total offering
Deliveries ranged up to 14 days from sale day, extending through December 2025, and cattle were located primarily in the Southeast, South Central, and North Central regions.
Regional Market Highlights
South Central Region (KS, MO, NM, OK, TX)
Feeder cattle from the South Central region continued to show steady demand, supported by proximity to major feeding areas.
- Steers: 645 lb. steers brought $425.00/cwt, while 510 lb. calves hit $480.00/cwt.
- Heifers: 490 lb. heifers averaged $440.00/cwt, with 675 lb. replacements at $372.50/cwt.
Replacement offerings in this region included bred cows averaging $3,750/head and bred heifers in the $3,800–$3,950 range, depending on delivery period.
Southeast Region (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)
Demand remained robust for lighter-weight, preconditioned cattle ready for backgrounding programs.
- 620 lb. steers sold up to $411.00/cwt, and 650–685 lb. steers averaged $410.11/cwt.
- 600–625 lb. heifers brought $382.59/cwt, while heavier 775 lb. heifers averaged $343.00/cwt.
North Central Region (CO, IA, MT, ND, NE, SD, WY)
Northern-origin cattle maintained solid price support across all categories.
- 650 lb. steers averaged $397.00–$395.00/cwt for March and April deliveries.
- 525 lb. heifers topped the region at $461.00/cwt, showcasing the strong demand for lighter-weight, high-quality females.
Replacement Cattle Market: Confidence in the Cow Herd
Despite representing a smaller portion of total receipts, replacement cattle performed exceptionally well.
- Bred Heifers: Averaged $3,775–$3,950/head depending on delivery period and region.
- Cow-Calf Pairs: West region pairs brought $4,650–$4,950/head, emphasizing continued confidence in the cow-calf sector.
These values reinforce that ranchers remain committed to herd rebuilding and are willing to invest in proven genetics and productive females despite broader market fluctuations.
Beef/Dairy Crosses Continue to Gain Traction
Beef/dairy cross cattle represented a notable share of the offering, continuing to demonstrate strong prices and growing market acceptance.
In the Northeast/Upper Midwest region, 450 lb. beef/dairy steers and heifers both averaged $494.00/cwt, underscoring their value as efficient feeders with favorable carcass traits.
This trend highlights the expanding role of beef-on-dairy breeding programs in balancing genetic efficiency with carcass quality, a major opportunity area for feedlots and packers alike.
Market Takeaways: Quality, Health, and Consistency Pay
The October 9th auction reaffirmed that buyers reward sound management practices. Cattle featuring verified vaccination programs, optimal flesh condition, and clear delivery windows consistently achieved top-end pricing.
This alignment between producer diligence and buyer confidence continues to make the video auction format one of the most efficient and transparent avenues for livestock marketing. With a 91% clearance rate, it’s clear that both buyers and sellers find value in this platform’s reach, flexibility, and trust.
Looking Ahead: Consign for Upcoming Auctions
LiveAg returns to Cooper’s BBQ in Fort Worth for the final two video auctions of the year:
📅 November 13 and December 11, 2025
🗓️ Consignment Deadline: The Tuesday prior to each sale
Then, kick off 2026 with one of the most anticipated events of the year —
🌟 Stockmen at the Stadium Video Auction
📍 Coors Field – Denver, CO
📅 January 15, 2026
Producers interested in marketing their cattle through LiveAg’s nationwide buyer base are encouraged to contact their representative to begin the consignment process.