Iowa Cattle Prices This Week: Feeder Calf & Cow Auction Prices
This week’s Iowa cattle prices from the USDA Iowa 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. Iowa is a major cattle-feeding state thanks to its corn and ethanol co-products, so many feeder cattle are bought at Iowa auctions to be finished in the state.
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, trade was mostly Active on Good to Very Good demand. Feeder steers under 500 lbs sold sharply lower, and over 500 lbs sold uneven. Feeder heifers under 600 lbs sold mostly sharply lower, and over 600 lbs were mostly 3.00 to 7.00 lower. Average dressing slaughter cows were 7.00 to 10.00 lower; average dressing slaughter bulls 6.00 lower.
Iowa feeder cattle prices by weight
| Weight | Steers ($/cwt) | Steer head | Steer value/head | Heifers ($/cwt) | Heifer head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300–399 lb | $541.15 | 78 | ≈ $1,894 | $505.06 | 82 |
| 400–499 lb | $472.09 | 359 | ≈ $2,124 | $434.38 | 345 |
| 500–599 lb | $419.30 | 519 | ≈ $2,306 | $375.61 | 564 |
| 600–699 lb | $374.29 | 655 | ≈ $2,433 | $348.83 | 432 |
| 700–799 lb | $350.98 | 902 | ≈ $2,632 | $330.78 | 449 |
| 800–899 lb | $340.14 | 1,806 | ≈ $2,891 | $307.93 | 409 |
| 900–999 lb | $333.18 | 713 | ≈ $3,165 | $286.82 | 357 |
Head-weighted averages of Medium and Large Frame No. 1 and 1–2 feeder cattle sold at reporting auctions. Value per head = average price × middle of the weight range.
Slaughter (cull) cow prices
| Class | Head | Avg. price ($/cwt) |
|---|---|---|
| Breaker (75–80% lean) | 66 | $151.29 |
| Boner (80–85% lean) | 93 | $147.39 |
| Lean (85–90% lean) | 70 | $124.38 |
Receipts: 10,319 head this report · 9,978 last report · 5,976 a year ago.
Source: USDA AMS Market News, Iowa 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 Iowa right now?
See the cards and weight table at the top of this page. They come from the latest USDA Iowa 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.