Agricultural Economics Department
Date of this Version
4-10-2025
Document Type
Article
Citation
Hudson, T., Dennis, E. “The Steer-Heifer Price Difference: Implications for Herd Expansion.” CAP Series 25-0402, Center for Agricultural Profitability, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, April 10, 2025. DOI: 10.32873/unl.dc.cap065.
Abstract
The price difference between steers and heifers has long been a focal point for cattle market analysts, cow/calf producers, feedlot operators, and other industry stakeholders, providing insights into market trends, herd expansion, and feeder cattle demand. Herd expansion remains a lingering question and a topic of ongoing debate in 2025. Current industry headwinds, unlike those of previous cyclical shifts, are becoming increasingly relevant as the industry continues to define the trough of the ongoing cyclical contraction. Amid various confounding factors, revisiting the steer-heifer differential provides important clarity in reevaluating this question.
