Fed Cattle Sell Lower
In Direct Trading

OKLAHOMA CITY —(USDA)— Direct slaughter cattle trading was moderate last week under good demand, prices steady to $1 lower on a dressed basis in the north and $1 lower live in the Southern Plains. After two weeks of sluggish cattle sales in the south, sellers acquiesced early in the period to move cattle.

Packers continued to slaughter at a brisk pace as margins were favorable. Retail beef demand has been much better than usual for mid-summer.

Boxed beef cutout values Friday averaged $107.43, up $.85 from the previous Friday. Sales on a national basis for negotiated cash trades totaled 143,650 head through 10 a.m. Friday. The previous week’s full count was 174,650 head.

In High Plains direct markets, 35-65 percent Choice steers and heifers weighing 900-1400 pounds brought $61-63.50, weighted average $62.80.

In Midwest direct markets, 35-80 percent Choice steers and heifers weighing 900-1400 pounds were $62-63, and dressed 550-950 pound carcasses $98-100, weighted average $99.

Slaughter cows and bulls were steady to $2 higher through Tuesday. Packer demand was good, due mainly to school lunch contracts and a beef recall. The cutter cow carcass cutout value closed Thursday at $83.77, down $1.41 from the previous Friday.

In Colorado, Oklahoma and Alabama, breaker cows 1000-1600 pounds made $35-39, boners 900-1500 pounds $35.50-40 and lean 850-1300 pounds $34-38.50; bulls 1500-2200 pounds were $49.50-53 in Colorado, $49-51.50 in Oklahoma and $50-55 in Alabama.