December 2025 Dairy Market Report: Cull Cows and Calf Prices Climb Across Quebec

By
Tanya Eadie
-
163

Market activity strengthened across most Quebec auction centres during the week of December 1, 2025, with both cull cow values and dairy calf prices showing upward movement. Higher averages were recorded in nearly every dairy class, reflecting steady demand as winter begins.

Cull Cows: Firm Demand Lifts Prices

Cull cow prices continued their gradual upward trend this week. Across Quebec (excluding Bic), dairy-type cows averaged $1.54/lb live, up 3 cents from the previous week.

Provincial Highlights

  • Light cows (<1100 lb): Improved modestly, with averages between $1.22–$1.45/lb depending on the market.

  • Mid-weight (1100–1500 lb): One of the strongest groups, averaging $1.34–$1.58/lb, with gains in all major auction sites.

  • Heavy cows (>1500 lb): Averages ranged from $1.49–$1.69/lb, also trending upward.

St-Hyacinthe and St-Isidore both posted notable improvements in the <1100 lb class, while Danville saw the largest week-over-week jump (+$0.41/lb), albeit on smaller volumes.

Beef-Type Cull Cows

Beef-type cows held strong but were more mixed:

  • Provincial beef-type average fell slightly to $1.70/lb (–$0.05/lb).

  • St-Hyacinthe and La Guadeloupe saw modest gains.

  • St-Isidore noticed a sharper decline (–$0.07/lb).

Despite variability, beef culls remain at historically firm price levels for December.

Dairy Calves: Prices Strengthen With Heavy Trading

Dairy calf markets were active this week, with 3,673 head sold across Quebec. Overall calf prices rose:

  • Quebec average: $14.66/lb live, up $0.46/lb from the previous week.

Auction Highlights

  • St-Hyacinthe: Largest volume (1,646 head), avg. $14.62/lb (+0.45)

  • St-Isidore: Strong average at $14.68/lb (+0.40)

  • Danville: Highest average ($15.34/lb), but slightly softer (–0.02)

  • Bic: Lower average ($14.92/lb), down 0.85

Prices remain well-supported heading into December, reflecting strong buyer interest and healthy demand for both Holstein and crossbred calves.

Breed & Weight-Class Trends

Holstein Male Calves

  • Good 90–120 lb: $13.04/lb (+0.15)

  • Good 120–140 lb: $11.76/lb (+0.08)

  • Average quality: Strongest move this week at $10.36/lb, up +1.02

Crossbred (Dairy-Beef) Calves

Still commanding a premium:

  • Good 90–120 lb males: $17.86/lb (–0.31)

  • Other weights: $16.01/lb (–0.48)

  • Females: $15.14–$13.76/lb, both slightly higher

Even with small dips in male crossbreds, overall pricing remains far above Holstein averages.

Market Interpretation for Dairy Producers

1. Cull Cow Values Are Stable and Slightly Rising

Producers marketing cull animals this month are seeing stronger bids, especially in mid-weight and heavy dairy cows. This provides supportive revenue heading into winter.

2. Dairy Calf Demand Remains Very Strong

December is typically steady, but this year’s calf market is exceptionally firm, boosted by:

  • strong beef-on-dairy interest

  • limited beef calf availability

  • active buyers across auction sites

Prices above $14/lb live reflect a bullish tone heading into late 2025.

3. Crossbred Calves Still Lead the Market

Despite minor pullbacks, dairy-beef calves continue to bring significant premiums. This continues to validate the breeding strategy many farms have adopted.

4. Beef Cull Market Mixed but Historically High

While averages dipped slightly, levels remain strong for December. Beef-type cows >1500 lb still averaged above $1.77/lb in several markets.

Overall Outlook

The early December market is signaling:

  • Strong calf values continuing into winter

  • Cull cow prices firming as demand remains steady

  • Crossbred calves maintaining premium positions

  • Auction volumes healthy for both calves and cull cows

For dairy farms, this week’s numbers support a positive short-term outlook for both cull revenue and newborn calf sales.

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