The fourth quarter of 2025 brought changes to both the national beef cattle markets and the South Carolina auction market. In mid-October, the feeder cattle futures price fell sharply, disrupting the steady increase in prices seen since summer 2024. This reflects changes to beef cattle markets more broadly.
For South Carolina auctions, feeder steer and heifer prices experienced moderate declines in Q4. Comparing average prices in October compared to December, steer prices fell $17 for 4-weights, $12 for 5-weights, and $34 for 6-weights. Average prices for heifers over the period fell $10 for 4-weights, $11 for 5-weights, and $5 for 6-weights. Read the full market summary report.
