Selection for yearling weight, a trait with relatively high heritability, in beef cattle should lead to a significant response in a short period of time. Changes should also occur in correlated and component traits. Data from 10 yr of yearling weight selection in beef Shorthorn cattle were used to quantify the response in correlated calf and cow traits. Selection response was measured as the difference between the performance of the select line and a corresponding control line. Annual response to selection for bull and heifer calves, respectively, averaged 5.1 and 4.3 kg for yearling weight, 2.1 and 1.6 kg for weaning weight, 0.3 and 0.2 kg for birth weight, 0.016 and 0.014 kg d−1 for post-weaning average daily gain and 0.010 and 0.007 kg d−1 for preweaning average daily gain. There were no significant changes in calf survival or cow reproductive performance. Cow weights increased 4.5 kg yr−1 for 2-yr-old heifers, similar to the yearling weight response, but only 1.3 kg yr−1 for all cows because of the time delay caused by the age distribution of the breeding herd. Yearling weight increases were brought about by increases in the individuals genetic potential for gain, primarily postweaning. Response to yearling weight selection would be relatively easy to achieve for beef producers. Some additional costs would be incurred, however, and the environmental effects, which were large, would have to be monitored. Key words: Beef cattle, yearling weight, selection response, correlated response