Seasonal cattle patterns repeat year after year but can influenced
by other fundamental factors. These seasonal patterns are due to
seasonal weather and reproductive cycles. Calves tend to be born
in the spring and weaned in the fall due to warm weather and the
forage growing season. This, in turn, creates a large feeder calf
supply in the late fall and affects the timing of when cattle are
slaughtered (typically April-June). Calf prices tend to be higher
in the first half of the year and lower in the second half. The
following links give more information about understanding seasonal
cattle market trends.
