July 17, 2025
Consider your livestock election choices carefully as you look at this year’s trends, factoring in whether your herd numbers have increased, and your longer-term intentions.
Dairy values saw significant increase across both female and male classes. Strong commodity prices for dairy products drove strong demand for dairy cattle.
A Mixed Age Dairy cow now has a National Average Market Value of $2,111 compared to $1,609 last year. Rising one and two-year heifers increased in value by 49% and 27.4%, to $1,007 and $1,826 respectively. Values are close to the highs seen in 2008 and 2012. The farmgate milk price outlook remains strong.
As with dairy, beef values rose substantially, on average a 35% increase to the highest values ever seen for beef cattle. Following weak commodity prices in the 2023-24 year we see a much stronger red meat commodity market in the 2024-25 year. Farmgate beef prices are over 40% higher than the 5-year average, fuelled by strong US demand and a tight global red meat supply.
Sheep values rose on average by 38%, on the back of solid global demand, from the UK, EU and US, even though demand in China has been weak. Total sheep numbers continue to decline, putting pressure on processing numbers, tightening supply.
Wool markets improved, with 8-year highs for crossbred fleece, amid renewed optimism driven by demand for natural fibres.
Deer values saw an average 15% increase in values for Red Deer, Wapiti, and related breeds. Other breeds bucked that trend with values falling 6.7% on average. Strong returns are forecast, as retail demand in the US and Canada keeps growing.
International trophy hunting tourism continues to rebound with strong interest from US and European hunters.
Aside from breeding bucks, goat values declined by 12.5% on average for the 2025 year. Challenges persist for the milking goat industry as demand is matched against supply and there are significant costs establishing on-farm infrastructure.
Let’s discuss your livestock elections when we review your financial statements and tax returns for the year. If you would like more detailed coverage of trends in the herd values, please contact us.
