CLARA LIVE: 🏆 Joplin Expecting 5,000 Head Monday Ahead of Highly Anticipated Big Bang Sale Tuesday; USDA Reports New Milestones For Calf Prices 🏆
📣 Prime Time Livestock – The Big Bang Sale: July 1, 2025 @ 12:00 PM (CDT)
Don’t miss Prime Time Livestock – The Big Bang Sale happening Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 12:00 PM (CDT)! This live cattle auction event is your opportunity to be part of a premier livestock marketing experience brought to you by the trusted team at Joplin Regional Stockyards. Join us in person at the Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel, located at 1275 S. Highway 69, Pittsburg, KS 66762.
For more details or to consign cattle, contact us at (417) 548-2333 or email:
📧 primetime@joplinstockyards.com
📧 matt@joplinstockyards.com
📧 clay@joplinstockyards.com
Make sure to mark your calendars and be ready to bid with Prime Time Livestock—bringing over 30 years of trusted marketing experience to every sale!
USDA Reports Monthly Calf Prices Over $400 for First Time in History
For the first time ever, the USDA has reported monthly calf prices over $400 in its Agricultural Prices report, marking a historic milestone for the feeder cattle market. In May 2025, calf prices averaged $405/cwt, setting an all-time record and signaling unprecedented demand and market strength.
Since January 2024, monthly calf prices have averaged over $300 in 15 of the past 17 months, reflecting a sharp structural shift in market dynamics. Before 2024, calf prices had only exceeded $300 three times, specifically in October, November, and December of 2014—underscoring just how rare this level of pricing has been in U.S. cattle market history.
La Crosse Livestock in Kansas had its best day ever for 8-weight steers on Friday, posting the top four highest prices in barn history. Leading the way were 66 head at 845 lbs for $323.25, followed by 62 head at 847 lbs at $317.25 and 62 head at 836 lbs for $316.50.
On Friday, feeder cattle futures and cash prices moved significantly closer after a wide disconnect the day before. August CME Feeder Cattle futures surged $4.60 to $307.90, narrowing the gap with cash markets. The RTI 7-Day Feeder Index dipped slightly to $313.23 (–$0.22), while the National Steer Price climbed $3.19 to $313.48.
CME Feeder Cattle (AUG): $307.90 (+4.60) 
RTI Feeder Index (7-Day): $313.23 (-0.22) 
National Steer Price: $313.48 (+3.19)
USDA Reports First-Ever Annual Calf Prices Above $300, Marking 438% Surge Since 1996
Over the past 29 years, U.S. annual average calf prices have shown a dramatic long-term rise, culminating in a historic high of $316/cwt in 2024—the highest annual average ever recorded and the first time prices have averaged over $300. Since 1996, when calf prices averaged just $58.70, the market has surged by approximately 438%, reflecting a combination of structural shifts, tighter supplies, and strong feeder demand.
Notable milestones along the way include the first annual average above $100 in 2000, and the first above $200 in 2014. Calf prices have only averaged above $200 in four years: 2014, 2015, 2023, and 2024. Among those, 2015 ranks second all-time at $263/cwt, surpassed only by 2024. Prices in 2019 and 2020 averaged just $157, meaning values have more than doubled in five years, underscoring the bullish fundamentals and historic strength of the 2024 feeder market as we move through 2025.
