Effect Of Trucking Distance On Sale Price Of Beef Calf And Feeder Cattle Lots Sold Through Video Auctions From 2010 Through 2018

Abstract The objective was to determine effect of trucking distance on sale price of beef calf and feeder cattle lots sold through Superior Livestock Video Auctions from 2010 through 2018. Data analyzed were collected from 211 livestock video auctions. There were 42,043 beef calf lots and 19,680 feeder cattle lots used in these analyses. Six states (Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas) of delivery comprised 70% of calf lots and 83% of feeder cattle lots and were used in these analyses. All lot characteristics that could be accurately quantified or categorized were used to develop multiple regression models that evaluated effects of independent factors using backwards selection. A value of P < 0.05 was used to maintain a factor in the final models. Based upon reported state of origin and state of delivery, lots were categorized into one of the following trucking distance categories: 1) Within-State, 2) Short-Haul, 3) Medium-Haul, and 4) Long-Haul. Average weight and number of calves in lots analyzed was 259.2 ± 38.4 kg BW and 100.6 ± 74.3 head, respectively. Average weight and number of feeder cattle in lots analyzed was 358.4 ± 34.3 kg BW and 110.6 ± 104.1 head, respectively. Beef calf lots hauled Within-State sold for more ($169.24/45.36 kg; P < 0.0001) than other trucking distance categories (Table 1). Long-Haul calf lots sold for the lowest (P < 0.0001) price ($166.70/45.36 kg). Within-State and Short-Haul feeder cattle lots sold for the greatest (P < 0.0001) price ($149.96 and $149.81/45.36 kg, respectively; Table 2). Long-Haul feeder cattle lots sold for the lowest (P < 0.0001) price, $148.43/45.36 kg. These results indicate there is a price advantage for lots expected to be hauled shorter distances, likely because of cost and risk associated with transportation.