Plains cattle feeders and packers were in a familiar mode at midweek, staring each other down over a $3 difference of opinion.

Feedlots were asking $65, as they had at the same time last week, and packers were bidding the same $62. Last week’s trade finally culminated Friday at $64, about what observers were predicting several days earlier.

The Texas Cattle Feeders Association counted 84,214 head on showlists in its area, and captive movement at 37,366 head. The list was up considerably from last week, but captives were down almost as much.

Elsewhere, USDA reported limited direct sales at $62.65-63 live and no trades in the beef. Midwest terminals quoted prices mostly $61-62.40.

Holiday market closings reduced stocker and feeder cattle trade this week, and what ensued reflected a generally steady tone.

West Plains-Ozark Stockyards in Missouri offered 2256 head and reported weights under 500 pounds $2-4 lower, heavier steers steady and heavier heifers steady to $2 higher. A roundup of four Florida auctions was steady on 4148 head. With 4749 head on offer, La Junta, Colo. was steady on most classes but $1-2 lower on steers and heifers under 350 pounds.

In Texas, Crockett was steady to firm on 2287 head, Amarillo generally steady on 2238. Milano was mostly steady on about 1000 head, steady to $2 higher on six to seven-weight steers. Three Rivers, Hallettsville and several other auctions went unreported.

Oklahoma City reported steady prices on holiday-reduced receipts of 1357 head. Best 550-600 pound steer calves earned $85-86.25; 600-650 pounds $82-84; 650-700 pounds $80-86; 735 pounds $74.85; yearlings, 650-700 pounds $83.50-86.25; 700-750 pounds $81-81.75; 750-800 pounds $80-80.50; and 910 pounds 73.25.