How Much Does a Black Angus Cow Cost?

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The Black Angus cow is a breed of cattle mostly used in beef production. The most common color for the Angus cow is black, although other colors have been emerging recently as well – red being the newest one on the market.

In America, both breeds are seen separately while England sees them all as just variations of “Angus.” There were more than 350,000 registered cows found across pastures and grazing lands last year alone, making this the most common breed of beef cattle. So what is the Black Angus price?

How much does a Black Angus cow cost?

Usually, the Black Angus cow cost is anywhere from $900 to as much as $3,200+ per animal, with bulls being 50 to 70 percent more than cows.  This means that the average Black Angus cow cost per pound is around $6.

In comparison, processed Black Angus beef is priced at around $10 to $20 per pound of hanging weight meat, depending on the butcher you order it from.

So for example, if you were to get an open Angus heifer calf, you would spend somewhere between $1,500 and $1,900. At the same time, most of the full-grown Hereford bulls will have prices upwards of $3,500.

The average cost will be dependent on the gender and size of the specimen, its age, geographical location, whether it is a meat cow or a dirty cow, and where you buy it from. But more about the factors influencing the price in the sections below.

Calves and older cows tend to fall on the lower end, while bred heifers and bulls command higher prices. But many factors influence costs.

CattleRange.com is a leading cattle market in the United States where farmers sell their livestock to buyers across the country, with listings primarily from farms in Texas and surrounding regions. Many listings are selling Black Angus cows – most of them with pricing at around $900-$2,200. Some listings are for individual specimens, while others require you to cover a minimum order.

You might also like our articles about the cost of ribeye steak, beef short ribs, or bacon.

A smaller online bovine marketplace called Ranch World Ads currently has about 50 listings priced at anywhere from $1,300 to $2,500.

According to Airmart E-Commerce, a young Black Angus calf might cost several hundred dollars. For instance, a 400-pound weaned calf could set you back between $600 and $800.

Factors that Impact Black Angus Cattle Prices

Several factors affect the specific price you’ll pay for individual animals. Here are some top considerations:

• Age – Younger cattle cost less than mature animals.
• Pregnancy status – Bred cows bring higher prices than open ones.
• Bloodlines – Proven top pedigrees increase value.
• Physical condition – Healthy cattle with good body condition cost more.
• Market trends – Beef demand cycles impact prices over time.
• Time of year – Prices fluctuate seasonally with supply and demand.
• Location – Regional differences affect local market rates.
• Individual traits – Weights, genetics, and temperament all contribute to the cost.

Analyze both macro market factors as well as the individual animal’s merits when negotiating purchase prices.

What should you get for this price?

With a reputable seller, buyers can expect to receive all documentation related to the purchase of show-quality cattle including an up-to-date vaccination record and vet health checkup.

Additionally, sellers may include fertility tests for any animals of show quality in order to ensure that they are fertile enough for breeding purposes.

Additional Costs of Raising Black Angus Cattle

Beyond just buying the animals, you’ll have expenses caring for your Black Angus herd:

• Feed – $400+ per cow yearly for hay, grain, supplements
• Vet care – $50 to $100 per animal annually
• Facilities and fencing – Hundreds to thousands in upfront costs
• Labor – Paying staff for tasks like feeding, health checks
• Transportation – Moving animals between pastures or to market
• Replacement animals – Purchasing new cows to maintain herd size

And if you decide to breed, there are further costs for bulls, artificial insemination, calving supplies, etc. Proper herd management requires significant investment.

Cattle are not picky eaters, and they will usually go through about 40 pounds of feed a day. This means that if the hay is priced at about $65 per ton, you will likely spend around $1.40 per day per cow, just for food.

Aside from the feed costs and water consumption needed by cows in general, other factors such as pen cleaning rates would also have an effect on your bank account; especially when considering larger numbers like 20+ cattle together – in addition to aspects such as field maintenance/overhead.

Vet visits too would be needed from time to time as well due to their exposure to disease when grazing out of doors. All of the expected costs together would amount to around $700+ per year for each cow.

Some farmers will offer to deliver their cows for a fee if they are not too far away. The cost of the delivery depends on how many animals need to be transported and the distance between you and them. If you buy all of these animals at once, some may even offer to deliver them for free.

Important things about the Angus cow

Most of the listings you will see on online marketplaces tend to be put up by local farmers and with quantities ranging between 20 and 125 specimens. Some sellers may require that you purchase an entire group, while others give you at least some freedom in picking a few out of any given group. Generally speaking though, the more cows purchased at once usually means the more incentives you will get, such as free shipping or a discount.

Angus cows can be found on the market at any age, but it is typically between two to eight years old. The majority of Angus cattle weigh 1,100 pounds. You will usually find this type of information inside the classified ad.

Save Money When Buying Black Angus Cows

Want to get the best deal on your Black Angus purchases? Here are some money-saving tips:

• Buy calves or yearlings instead of mature cows
• Ask about price breaks for purchasing multiple animals
• Buy open cows and breed them yourself later
• Purchase locally instead of paying transport costs
• Buy at seasonal lows like autumn when demand dips
• Select based on budget, not just top-tier pedigree
• Grow your own replacement heifers instead of buying
• Choose bull semen for AI instead of buying bulls
• Partner with neighboring ranchers to share breeding costs

With smart bargaining and timing, you can start or expand your Angus herd while sticking to your budget.

When looking at the prices, it’s important to remember that they are not final. When negotiating with sellers you have a chance of knocking off 10-20% just by asking.

Final Words on Black Angus Cattle Prices

The average starting price for Black Angus cows runs $1,500 to $3,000 per head. But many other expenses come with owning this elite cattle breed. Understanding what impacts the costs allows you to plan and budget effectively for your Black Angus investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is black Angus beef so expensive?

Black Angus beef tends to cost more than other types of beef. One big reason is that Angus cattle naturally produce very tender, flavorful meat. Their beef has nice “marbling,” which means thin lines of fat running through the lean meat. This marbling makes the meat extra juicy and tasty when you cook it.

A 1,200 pound Angus bull would sell for around $1,800 on the low end. But prices can go up to around $4,800 for bulls of average size according to experts.

Are Black Angus cows friendly?

In addition to great marbling, Angus cattle stand out for their mellow personalities. They tend to be pretty friendly and calm compared to other cattle breeds. This chill attitude means Angus cattle put on weight faster–around 12% faster–than aggressive cattle. The mellow Angus don’t waste energy fighting and acting out.

Is Black Angus better than Wagyu?

Both Black Angus and Wagyu are known for beautiful marbling and tenderness. But Wagyu takes it even further as a delicacy meat with exceptionally high marbling.