Mum’s The Word One More Time
On Plains Fed Cattle Trading

Plains feedlots and packers stood dollars apart on price at midweek, leading observers to predict another Friday down-to-the-wire trading regimen.

Last week’s uncharacteristic Wednesday trade produced cash sales of about 54,000 head in the Texas Panhandle area at a $1 price decline of $63.

Panhandle feedlots were asking $65-66 at presstime against scant and tentative $60-61 bids. The area showlist stood at 86,386 head and the captive count at 49,357.

Elsewhere, USDA reported a light test in direct areas at $61.50-63 live and $98-100 dressed. Midwest terminal markets paid $61.10-63.75.

Stocker and feeder cattle prices ran the gamut again this week, higher some places, lower others, and steady in some markets.

St. Joseph, Mo. was still unreported by midafternoon Wednesday. A roundup of four Florida auctions selling 4530 head between them reported steady to $2 lower prices. At La Junta, Colo., 3398 head sold $3 higher on steers under 400 pounds but steady to $1 lower on heavier kinds; heifers under 350 pounds were $2 higher and heavier weights steady.

In Texas, Crockett offered 1532 head and termed steers under 400 pounds steady, heavier steers $2-3 higher and heifers $1-2 higher. On receipts of 1252 head, Tulia was steady to $1 lower on steers but $3 higher on heifers, some heifers to $5 higher. Three Rivers was steady on 1120 head, Hallettsville steady on 1390 and Amarillo steady on 1859 head.

Oklahoma City feeder weight steers were steady to $2 higher but similar heifers steady to $1 lower, steer and heifer calves steady to $1 higher. Receipts came to 8000 head. Best 400 pound steer calves earned $105; 450-500 pounds $96-98.50; 500-550 pounds $87-95; 550-600 pounds $79.25-85; 600-650 pounds $80.50-86; 650-700 pounds $77.25-82; 700-750 pounds $74-77.50; yearlings, 600-650 pounds $85-85.50; 650-700 pounds $81.50-85.50; 700-750 pounds $80-84; 750-800 pounds $77.25-81.75; 800-850 pounds $76-79.25; 850-900 pounds $70.50-77.75; 900-950 pounds $71-74.25; a load weighing 960 pounds $71.50; and 1060 pounds $65.