Assessment of Factors Influencing Sale Price in Mississippi Feeder Calf Board Sales

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine specific factors that affect the selling price of feeder calves marketed through the Mississippi Feeder Calf Board Sale program, an alternative marketing strategy developed to offer producers an opportunity to increase prices received for their calves. A hedonic model was utilized to measure the effects of individual lot attributes on price. Results of sales conducted from 2008 to 2016 revealed a positive relationship between sale price and steer percentage, Brahman influence, the provision of information on growth implant practices, and number of loads per lot. Conversely, price was negatively associated with number of days from sale to loadout and the consignment of assembled lots or those consigned from multiple sellers. Lot hide color classification demonstrated varying effects on prices received. This data can enable commercial producers to evaluate production practices and make educated management decisions to improve the value of their cattle.