Abstract: A method for determining a live animal value broadly comprises the steps of determining a total retail value (TRV) which represents beef demand and combining the TRV with adjustments for supply, cost, and other factors. These adjustments preferably include a weekly beef production adjustment (WPA), an energy cost adjustment (ECA), a labor cost adjustment (LCA), an interest rate adjustment (IRA), a feed cost adjustment (FCA), and an expected value adjustment (EVA). Together with the TRV, these adjustments are variable with market conditions but are measurable. Since the TRV and the adjustments are measurable, the live animal value can be objectively determined, optimizing sales transactions between a cattle producer and a beef processor. The live animal value can be adjusted according to an animal's individual merits of quality. The animal's weight is determined and that weight is multiplied by the live animal value, to determine a price for the animal.