DETERMINANTS OF COW-CALF PAIR PRICES

Cow-calf prices are determined by interaction of many factors. At a pa rticular auction, cow-calf pair prices often had a range of 75% of the mean price. This variability suggests that producers need to be infor med regarding cow-calf price determinants. This study uses auction dat a during 1993 to estimate price differentials associated with cow-calf pair characteristics using a hedonic model. Cow breed, age, health, c ondition, horns, frame, and whether the cow had been bred back were si gnificant price determinants. Calf weight, health, and frame had signi ficant price impacts. Highest prices were paid for pens containing 9-1 2 pairs of young Angus, dehorned, bred back, healthy cows with heavy h ealthy calves.