Plains Feedlots Give Up $1
To Move Cattle At Midweek

After weeks of late trade or none at all, Plains cattle feeders moved considerable numbers on Wednesday of this week. It cost them a dollar to do it, however.

Last week’s trade developed at $64 late on Friday after would-be buyers and erstwhile sellers held each other off throughout the week. This week’s trade began by Wednesday morning at $63.

The Texas Cattle Feeders Association counted 43,000 head moving at that rate in their trade area out of a showlist of 90,600 head. Captives added another 49,500 head.

Elsewhere, USDA reported direct trade at $61-63.50 live and $98-100 dressed. Midwest terminals paid $61.80-63.80.

Stocker and feeder cattle trends were mixed around the country this week.

St. Joseph, Mo. declined to call a trend on a run of only a few loads, and a roundup of four Florida auctions counting 4235 head between them found prices steady to $1 higher. With receipts of 2903 head, La Junta, Colo. was steady to $1 lower on steers and $2 lower on heifers under 600 pounds, heavier heifers scarce.

In Texas, Crockett was steady on 1898 head, Three Rivers steady on fewer than 1000. Hallettsville offered 1706 head and called trends steady to firm, Tulia 1054 head at steady to $2 higher rates and Amarillo the same on 1654 head.

Oklahoma City sold 6650 head at steady prices on feeder weights and steady to $2 lower going on calves. Best 400-500 pound steer calves brought $94-97; 500-550 pounds $85-90; 550-600 pounds $78-87.75; 600-700 pounds $73-83.25; 700-800 pounds $72-75.50; yearlings, 600-700 pounds $82-85; 700-750 pounds $77.75-83; 750-800 pounds $77.25-78.50; 800-850 pounds $76-78.50; 850-900 pounds $71-77.50; 900-950 pounds $69.25-71; 950-975 pounds $69.75-70.75; and 1015 pounds $69.