Factors affecting the sale price of bred heifers and bred beef cows sold through video auctions

Abstract

Objective: The objective was to evaluate potential factors influencing sale price of bred heifers and bred cows sold through video auction. Materials and Methods: Data were available on 1,870 bred heifer lots sold on 168 video auction dates from 2010 through 2018 and 1,237 bred cow lots sold on 163 video auction dates from 2011 through 2018. Multiple regression models (one each for bred heifers and cows), using backward selection, were developed to determine factors influencing sale price. A P < 0.05 value maintained factors within each final model. Results and Discussion: Significant determinants of bred heifer and cow sale price included auction year, breed description, weight, region of origin, and weight variation within the lot. Bred heifers sold for similar prices in 2014 ($2,276/head) and 2015 ($2,193), but those prices were greater (P < 0.05) than all other years (range: $1,086/head to $1,605/head). In 2014 and 2015, bred cows sold for similar prices ($2,159 and $2,174/head, respectively) but at prices greater (P < 0.05) than all other years (range: $1,186/head to $1,494/head). Red Angus–sired lots of bred heifers and cows sold for the greatest (P < 0.05) sale price ($1,643 and $1,752/head, respectively) compared with all other breed groups. Auction year, region of origin in the United States, weight, and other factors influenced sale price, suggesting buyers use several components of information at the time of purchase. Implications and Applications: Understanding factors influencing sale price of bred beef females will help sellers more effectively market females and producers make more informed investment decisions.