BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Montana cattle ranchers are seeing higher prices for younger cattle, as buyers look for animals that won't be fat enough for market until the economy improves.

Auction prices for the young, lightweight cattle have increased $1 to $2 per hundredweight for each of the last two weeks at the Billings Livestock Commission Co.'s auction ring. That's good news for ranchers - beef prices have been down 10 percent or worse each of the last two years.

Montana State University economist Gary Brester says the increase means people think they'll see a rebound in demand for beef in the coming year.

Beef suffers in a poor economy because shoppers rely more on cheaper meats like chicken.