By Blake Jackson
Southwestern Missouri’s latest Show-Me-Select (SMS) bred heifer sale delivered record-breaking results, reflecting continued strong demand for high-quality replacement females.
“Strong bidding at the recent Show-Me-Select sale in southwestern Missouri set new records for both high and average prices,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
A total of 165 heifers from 12 consignors were sold during the event, generating a record average price of $4,947 per head.
The figure represents an increase of more than $900 compared to the spring 2025 sale average and exceeds the fall 2025 average by more than $700.
Total revenue reached $816,350, narrowly surpassing the previous gross sales record set in spring 2015. That sale featured 283 heifers averaging $2,861 per head and generated $809,750 in total sales.
Davis noted that nearly 1.7 times as many heifers would have been needed at 2015 prices to achieve the same gross revenue as the current sale. Even the lowest-priced lot this year sold for more than the highest-priced lot recorded in the 2015 event.
“Compared with feeder heifer prices, bred heifers are currently selling at a slightly lower ratio than historic norms,” says Davis.
According to a University of Tennessee pricing guide, fall-calving bred heifers sold in May have historically brought about 2.5 times the value of a 550-pound feeder heifer.
At the recent sale, however, bred heifers sold at approximately 1.98 times the value of a comparable feeder heifer.
Top-performing consignors also stood out. Nolan Kleiboeker Farms of Wentworth sold the highest-priced lot, an AI-bred Hereford-Angus crossbred heifer that brought $6,750. The farm marketed 22 heifers and averaged $5,720 per head.
Mast Farms of Lamar posted the highest overall average at $5,833 on six heifers, while Show Me Prime Angus Ranch of Sarcoxie averaged $5,820 on five head.
“Internet bidding played an important role in the sale,” says Davis. Thirty-three heifers were purchased online, including 27 bought by volume buyer Bruce Mershon of Lee’s Summit.
“The SMS program is a great program to learn to development and market high quality bred heifers,” says Davis.
Photo Credit: istock-123ducu
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle