Texas Feedlot Cattle Traders'
Ideas Too Far Apart Last Week

AMARILLO —(USDA)— Trading in Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma feedlots last week was limited to the previous Friday at steady prices, as buyers and sellers alike took a wait and see attitude. Buyers generally bid $63 to mostly $64 all week while feeders were asking $66-67.

The overall area was still hot and dry, but a cold front is expected. Sales were confirmed on 65,800 head, including 59,800 head of formulated cattle.

The weighted average price of all beef type steers was $64.60. The average liveweight of most cattle slaughtered at area packing plants the previous week was 1202 pounds, compared with 1213 a week earlier and 1193 a year ago. Heifer percentages were 42, 40 and 37, respectively.

Slaughter cattle prices were steady to 50 cents higher in the northern parts of the country. Demand was fairly good from packers, but strong October CME prices stymied live trading. Packers were using captive cattle and northern cash trades to satisfy minimum kill requirements. Beef cutout values were down six cents at $105.30.

Some Texas trading.

Steers: previous Friday sales, select and choice 2-3 1200-1350 lbs. $65; select and few choice 2-3 1200-1350 lbs. $64; mostly select 2-3 1150-1350 lbs. $63.

Heifers: previous Friday sales, select and choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $65; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $64; select and choice 2-4 1050-1200 lbs. including heiferettes $62.