Price Gulf Again Separates
Plains Feedlots And Packers

Plains feedlots and packers stood dollars apart on price again at midweek, the former generally asking $64-65 and the latter bidding $61.

Last week’s trade developed on Thursday at $62, down $1 from the previous week. Observers considered that a decent showing, considering bearish factors ranging from lower beef prices and futures to a "mad cow" death in Canada.

The Texas Cattle Feeders Association counted 79,405 head on area showlists and 57,713 captive cattle to be moved.

Elsewhere, USDA reported light direct trade at $63.50-64 live and $99-101 dressed. Midwest terminals paid $62-63.30.

Stocker and feeder cattle prices were mixed across the country this week, but the predominant trend was steady to lower. USDA’s reduced crop projections bode higher feed costs, helping to pressure the market.

A roundup of four Florida auctions with 6007 head between them reported steady prices. With 5600 head on hand, La Junta, Colo. was steady on yearlings, steady to $1 lower on steer and heifer calves and as much as $2 lower on 350-400 pound heifers.

In Texas, Three Rivers was steady on 1154 head and Hallettsville mostly steady on 2119. Crockett sold 2475 head weak to $1 lower and Pleasanton 1106 head $1-2 lower on heifers and $2-3 lower on steers. Amarillo bucked the trend, quoting 1804 head $1-2 higher.

San Angelo’s monthly special feeder sale was weak on a light run of 1419 head.

Oklahoma City called 8200 head steady under moderate to good demand. Best 350-400 pound steer calves brought $105.50-112.50; 400-450 pounds $101.50-106.50; 450-500 pounds $95.25-99.50; 500-550 pounds $84-95.50; 550-600 pounds $84-88.75; 600-650 pounds $81.50-85.50; 650-700 pounds $77-84.25; 700-750 pounds $75-78; yearlings, 575 pounds $90.50; 600-650 pounds $83.25-89.50; 650-700 pounds $79.75-83.25; 700-750 pounds $77.50-81; 750-800 pounds $76.25-79.25; 800-850 pounds $76-78.50; 850-900 pounds $71.50-77.75; and 950-1000 pounds $70.50-70.75.