Nebraska Cattle Prices This Week: Feeder Calf & Cow Auction Prices
This week’s Nebraska cattle prices from the USDA Nebraska Weekly Cattle Auction Summary: average feeder steer and heifer prices per cwt by weight, slaughter (cull) cow prices, bred cow and pair prices, and the USDA market comment. Nebraska is one of the leading cattle-feeding states, with large feedlots and plenty of corn, and its auction barns sell many heavy yearlings to feedlots.
Last updated: September 26, 2026
Sales week: 9/20/2026 – 9/26/2026
A price trend chart will appear here as daily data builds up.
USDA market comment: Compared to last week, steer calves sold 2.00 to 8.00 lower; yearling steers sold steady to 6.00 higher. Most auctions are still on every two- week schedules at this time, however when October rolls around, that will change. Some auctions also had their first show of spring calves coming off the cow. Few calves were just weaned while there were a few packages of calves weaned at least 45 days. Some ranchers in drought-plagued areas weaned calves early to try and assist the cows to stay in condition. Most calves had preconditioning shots even though they are unweaned. Also, several pregged open heifers were in the offering this week. Feedlots sold dressed sales steady to 5.00 lower at 345.00
Nebraska feeder cattle prices by weight
| Weight | Steers ($/cwt) | Steer head | Steer value/head | Heifers ($/cwt) | Heifer head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300–399 lb | $571.46 | 95 | ≈ $2,000 | $500.58 | 168 |
| 400–499 lb | $508.98 | 507 | ≈ $2,290 | $445.67 | 534 |
| 500–599 lb | $444.62 | 583 | ≈ $2,445 | $407.04 | 363 |
| 600–699 lb | $395.93 | 202 | ≈ $2,574 | $359.68 | 297 |
| 700–799 lb | $372.25 | 131 | ≈ $2,792 | $344.56 | 766 |
| 800–899 lb | $343.11 | 528 | ≈ $2,916 | $319.58 | 734 |
| 900–999 lb | $328.78 | 1,617 | ≈ $3,123 | $304.26 | 557 |
Head-weighted averages of Medium and Large Frame No. 1 and 1–2 feeder cattle sold at reporting auctions. Value per head = average price × middle of the weight range.
Receipts: 9,806 head this report · 12,567 last report · 17,741 a year ago.
Source: USDA AMS Market News, Nebraska Weekly Cattle Auction Summary, report for September 26, 2026. These are reported averages, not live quotes, and your local buyer may pay more or less. This page checks for a new report every weekday evening (the report itself is weekly). Not financial advice.
How to Read This Report
- $/cwt: dollars per hundredweight (100 lb). $350/cwt means $3.50 per pound of live weight.
- Medium and Large 1–2: the most common feeder cattle grade: medium to large frame, thick to average muscling.
- Value per head: an estimate of what one animal in that weight range brings (price × weight ÷ 100).
- Slaughter cow grades: Breaker, Boner and Lean describe how much fat and lean a cull cow carries. Boners usually bring the best price per cwt.
Compare With Other States
See feeder cattle prices across 13 states, today’s fed cattle prices, or hay prices if you’re budgeting winter feed.
FAQ
What are cattle selling for in Nebraska right now?
See the cards and weight table at the top of this page. They come from the latest USDA Nebraska weekly auction summary and are updated when a new week is published.
How much is a cow worth at auction?
A slaughter (cull) cow sells by the pound: multiply the price per cwt by her weight ÷ 100. A 1,200 lb Boner cow at $140/cwt is worth about $1,680. Bred cows and cow-calf pairs are sold per head and are listed separately.
Why do prices change so much by weight?
Lighter calves bring more per pound because buyers can add weight cheaply. This “price slide” is normal in every cattle market.
Is this financial advice?
No. These are public USDA auction averages for information only. Prices at your local sale barn will vary with the cattle offered.