Slaughter Cattle Trade Slow
Through Early Friday Morning

OKLAHOMA CITY —(USDA)— Slaughter cattle trade around the country continued slow through Friday morning, little movement reported.

Packers showed moderate demand and resisted higher asking prices. Cattle futures opened lower, making it tougher for feeders to hold for more money.

USDA's boxed beef cutout values Thursday averaged $106.80, up $105.15 from the previous Friday.

Sales of slaughter cattle on a national basis for negotiated cash trades were limited at the time of this report with only 34,100 head through 10 a.m.

Friday. The previous week’s full count was 155,800 head.

In Midwest direct markets, steers and heifers 35-80 percent Choice and weighing 900-1400 pounds were $62 live basis on limited sales; dressed basis, limited sales of 35-80 percent Choice steer and heifer carcasses weighing 550-950 pounds were $98-100.

High Plains direct markets, live basis, steers and heifers, 35-65 percent Choice, 900-1400 pounds, limited sales $63-63.50.

Slaughter cows and bulls sold $1-2 lower. Conditions in the North and West remain dry, forcing many producers to cull herds early. Demand is somewhat better in the South, where rain is more than plentiful and pastures look almost spring-like.

USDA's cutter cow carcass cutout value closed Thursday at $85.18, down $1.09 from the previous Friday.

In Colorado, Oklahoma and Alabama, breakers weighing 1000-1600 pounds were $32-38.50, boners 900-1500 pounds $33-39.50, lean 850-1300 pounds $34-37.50; bulls 1500-2200 pounds $49.50-55.50.