Buffalo Auction

Each November, Custer State Park auctions between 200 and 500 head of live buffalo. Buyers and spectators from around the United States come to watch and participate in the annual auction. Buffalo are generally purchased to supplement an existing herd, to start a herd, or to eat. 

The auction is held at the park's Visitor Center with live and online bidding. 

Past Results

2016

Class	Number  Sold	2016 Average	2015 Average	2014 Average	2013 Average
Mature Bred Cows	9	$3,456	$2,267	$2,542.86	$1,852.63
Mature Open Cows	38	$2,489	$1,786.	$1,672.50	$1,130.00
2-year-old Bred Heifer	10	$3,740	$2,450	$3,237.50	$2,210.53
2-year-old Open Heifer	n/a	n/a	n/a	$1,812.50	$1,400.00
Yearling Heifers	30	$2,790	$1,846.	$1,801.39	$1,198.17
Heifer Calf - Light	18	$2,225	$1,331	$1,086.25	$1,340.63
Heifer Calf - Heavy	20	$2,111	$1,325	$1,248.33	$1,119.35
Bull Calf - Light	21	$2,138	$1,882	$1,444.83	$894.74
Bull Calf - Heavy	37	$2,350	$2,012	$1,659.38	$1,099.48
Yearling Bulls	40	$2,763	$2,204	$2,002.94	$1,532.53
2-year-old Breeding Bull	24	$3,250	$2,739	0	$2,484.09
2-year-old Grade Bull	7	$2,793	$1,990	$2,300.00	$1,850.00
TOTAL NUMBER	254			324	255
TOTAL BUFFALO		$344,750		378,425	$478,150
5% breeding bull discount				-$1,615	-$1,035.00
Burros	8	average $36.88	$668	$167	$120
Horses	n/a	n/a	$1,400
TOTAL		$659,200	$380,493	$476,655	$402,165.00

Summary: January 2015 Internet Auction
2 buyers
10 bull calves @ $1,755 average
10 heifer calves @ $1,480 average

Summary: January 2016 Internet Auction
10 bull calves @ $1,895 average
10 heifer calves @ $1,480 average

Summary: January 2014 Internet Auction
4 buyers
17 bull calves @ $1,181.47 average
9 late bull calves @ $933.33 average
20 heifer calves @ $1,018.50 average
8 late heifer calves@ $902.50 average