Nation’s Fed Cattle Trade Nil,
Few Token Sales Point Higher

OKLAHOMA CITY — (USDA)— The slaughter cattle market was not well established by 10 a.m. Friday.

As of that time, token trades in the north were $2 higher on a dressed basis. Negotiations were expected to be long and drawn-out as a third party has entered the market causing problems to the delicate balance between packers and feeders.

However, the light kills, improved boxed beef values, tighter supplies, the first major winter storm, and overall anticipation by retailers of higher cattle markets have moved the ball to the feeders' corner for the first time in seven months.

Boxed beef cutout values Friday morning were an average of $112.98, up $4.08 from the previous Friday.

Sales of slaughter cattle on a national basis for negotiated cash trades were a token 21,400 head through 2 p.m. Thursday as trading was expected to occur Friday. The previous week's full count was 195,900 head.

High Plains direct markets were not established.

Midwest direct markets had a few 35-80 percent Choice steers and heifers weighing 900-1400 pounds at $69.50-70, but basically not established. On a dressed basis 35-80 percent Choice steer and heifer carcasses 550-950 pounds were $109-111.50 but also not established.

Slaughter cows were $1-3 higher, bulls steady to $2 higher. Good winter feeding conditions have moved cows from feeding programs to earlier than projected slaughter dates. This combined with lighter kills from the natural shortage of cull cows at this time of year has improved demand for cows.

The cutter cow carcass cutout value closed Thursday at $98.46, up $7.53 from the previous Friday. On Tuesday breaker cows were $38-43.50, boners $38.50-44, lean $35.50-43, and bulls $50-56.50.