Most Texas Fed Cattle Steady
Last Week In Thursday Trading

AMARILLO —(USDA)— Slaughter steers and heifers sold steady, instances 50 cents higher last week in Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma feedlot trading.

The majority of trade was completed on Thursday with a small amount of clean-up Friday morning. A few feedlots were reluctant to sell at steady prices, electing to hold cattle, and showlists were not fully depleted.

Sales were confirmed on 72,900 head, including 41,500 formulated cattle. The weighted average price of all beef type steers was $77.99. The average liveweight of most cattle slaughtered at area packing plants the previous week was 1167 pounds, compared to 1178 a week earlier and 1172 a year ago. Heifer percentages were 42, 44 and 46, respectively.

Slaughter cattle elsewhere were steady to instances 50 cents higher. Packer demand was moderate to good and fully adequate for available supplies. Packer returns remain in the red but they are still unable to break the market as harsh winter weather keeps a lid on cattle gains.

Seller interest is good at this level despite several days of February CME futures indicating more money could be sought. Cattle feeders are anxious to keep cattle moving to kill, as once winter weather ceases to become a factor a buildup of front-end cattle appears likely.

Boxed beef prices were up $1.25 at $122.14.

Some Texas Trading:

Steers: select and choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. $78, few $78.50, weighted average $78.04; select and choice 2-3 1300 lbs. $76-77, weighted average $76.86; carcass basis, select and choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. $123.

Heifers: select and choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $78, $78.50, weighted average $78.05; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $76-77.50, weighted average $76.66; carcass basis, select and choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $123.