Several Factors are Driving Strong Cull Cow Markets

Jul 25, 2025

By Dr. Kenny Burdine

Cattle markets have been impressive across the board in 2025, and cull cow markets have been no exception. The monthly average price for 80-85% average dress boning cows in Kentucky set a record in June and may set a new record in July. June 2025 prices were 16% higher than June of 2024 and 62% higher than June of 2023. This is a trend across all regions of the US as demand remains strong and cull cow supplies remain tight. I want to briefly discuss some specific factors behind these prices levels.

The most obvious reason for the extremely high cull cow prices has been sharp reductions in slaughter levels. As I write this in late July, beef cow slaughter is down 17% year-to-date from 2024. If this trend continued through the end of 2025, it would represent a reduction in beef cow slaughter of more than 450,000 cows. The beef cow herd was culled hard from 2021 to 2023, so it is likely that a lot of poor performers had already exited the herd. And of course, the current calf market is encouraging producers to hold on to cows a bit longer than usual. It is also worth pointing out that dairy cow slaughter is down 7% for the year, which is also contributing to the tight supplies.

Source : osu.edu

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