Plains Fed Cattle Movement
Quiet Again Through Midweek

Plains fed cattle trade once again was far from jelling at midweek. Packer bids were running about $70, asking prices $73-74.

Last week's movement was stalled until Friday, when 28,500 head changed hands in the Texas Panhandle area at $71.

The Texas Cattle Feeders Association counted a showlist of 76,748 head for this week and captive supplies at 41,565 head.

Elsewhere, USDA found too little direct trade to establish a market, but reported some live deals at $71; dressed prices ranged $110.50-113, the weighted average $112. Midwest terminals paid $69-73.90, the bulk around $70-71.

Stocker and feeder cattle prices generally advanced this week, following last week's stronger trend on fats.

St. Joseph, Mo. offered 3000 head and found it hard to draw a comparison with last week's weather-hampered market; compared to two weeks ago, lighter weights were quoted $1-2 higher, heavies steady to $1 lower. A roundup of four Florida auctions counting 3793 head between them found rates steady to $1 higher. La Junta, Colo. sold 2719 head and termed steers under 600 pounds steady to $2 higher, similar heifers steady to $1, instances $2 higher on the heavier end; yearling steers were $2-3 higher, heifers steady to $2 higher.

In Texas, Dalhart was shut down by winter weather. Tulia was steady to $1 higher on 1116 head, Graham steady to firm on fewer than 1000 head and Hallettsville steady to $3 higher on about the same number. Pleasanton sold 1052 head $2-3 higher on steers and $1-2 higher on heifers. Amarillo was steady to $1 higher on limited numbers of 1473 head.

With 7100 head on hand, Oklahoma City was $1 to mostly $2 higher on feeder steers and heifers, stockers and calves steady to $2 higher. Best 400-500 pound steer calves brought $103.75-111.50; 500-550 pounds $102-104.75; 550-600 pounds $91.25-101, a few fleshy $88.50-89.50; 600-650 pounds $86-92; 650-700 pounds $84.50-88.75; 700-750 pounds $82.75-86.50; 750-800 pounds $80.75-85.50; 800-850 pounds $79-82; 850-900 pounds $77.75-80.75; and 900-950 pounds $76.