Small Cows, Big News: January's Surprising Sales

Howdy, everyone!

What a way to kick off 2025, right? The miniature cattle market has started the year with some amazing sales, including several of the highest prices I’ve seen in the three years since I began getting involved. Let's dive right in.

National Highland Sale Leads the Way

The 36th Annual American Highland National Sale at the National Western Stock Show just wrapped up with stunning results. The sale moved over $700,000 in registered genetics with an impressive average price of $19,200 per head.

I know, many people might question whether AHCA cattle belong in a newsletter about mini cattle. Even if you’re relatively new to the industry, you’ve probably learned that an average-sized highland cow can often fall in the mid-miniature range on this frequently referenced chart.

Established AHCA breeders don’t seem to like to call their cattle miniature, and newer breeders want to call almost all highlands minis. So let’s just agree to be nice, meet in the middle, and celebrate these successes which represent a strong demand and healthy industry for all of us!

But back to the sale. Two exceptional animals led the way, each commanding an astounding $50,000. Howling Springs Farm celebrated an amazing achievement with their ACHA National Grand Champion Bull of 2024, while Windemere Farm matched that price with a striking white heifer.

The momentum continued throughout the sale, with a beautiful dark mahogany brindle frosted red heifer calf from Skye High Farms bringing $42,000. These prices confirm the enduring value placed on registered highland cattle with verified genetics and proven bloodlines. I have to admit, though: I prefer the shaggy natural look over this clipped and groomed standard for the shows. Do you?

Pandarosa Sets New Records

Just when we thought the market couldn't get any hotter, Pandarosa Ranch's "New Year Loading..." sale on January 26th also shattered expectations. Their innovative approach to marketing and strong social media presence always help drive incredible results:

• 24 lots averaging $13,286 each for a total of $318,874

• A micro/mini polled blue roan heifer stole the show at $65,501

• Other standouts included a micro/mini highpark heifer at $29,500 and a micro/mini “Panlander” heifer bringing $27,500

It’s worth noting that Pandarosa typically sells their calves on the bottle and is somewhat unique in sharing very few specific details about the parents of these calves even on their website. I’m sure I’m not alone in assuming that their dams are a nice mix of average-height highland cows like many of us have.

They’ve been incredibly successful at building a community of fans through social media and more recently in collaborating with some minor celebrities to help market their brand and calves.

Mixed Results in Other Sales

The same day brought some interesting contrasts in the market. Hairy Heifer Sales showed solid mid-range pricing with an average sale price of about $5000 across 7 listings. The top sale was a mini silver highland heifer that went for $8,501.

Meanwhile, the NEMO Small Animal & Bird Auction in Missouri highlighted the lower end of the market in more anonymous consignment-style sales. Several mini cattle listings failed to meet their reserves, though they did achieve a reasonable $5,500 for a dun highland cross cow bred to a chondro positive highpark bull.

What Does This Tell Us?

The striking price differences between these sales reinforce patterns we've discussed before: branding, marketing approach, and seller reputation continue to drive significant premiums. The success of both the national sale and Pandarosa’s latest auction shows that buyers are willing to pay top dollar for a variety of different reasons.

Looking Ahead

Several exciting auctions are coming up in February, all from breeders with large followings and successful past sales:

• February 2: Bougie Cattle Co Cupid’s Cuddly Calf Auction

• February 9: Webb Cattle Company's Super Bowl Sunday Sale

• February 16: Rocking L Ranch New Frontier Sales Series V

With the momentum we're seeing in the market, these upcoming sales should be fun to watch. More record prices?

Until next time,

Elliott

P.S. Did any of you attend the National Western Stock Show in person?