"October is often the month of calf weaning and cow culling (for spring calving herds)," according to Glenn Selk, emeritus Extension animal scientist at Oklahoma State University. "Cull cows represent about 20% of the gross income in commercial cow calf operations. Understanding the major factors impacting cull cow prices is important to the bottom line."

He says there are four grades in cull cows. While they are put into these categories, the price can still vary quite a bit because of dressing percentage, according to the Oklahoma Farm Report. 

Click or tap here to read more from Selk regarding the cull cow market.