Fed Cattle Trading Limited
Last Week, Dressed Trade Off

OKLAHOMA CITY —(USDA)— Slaughter steer and heifer trade last week was limited across the country through Friday morning. Live sales were not fully established, dressed sales $1-2 lower. Packer demand was good as they are trying to make up for the Labor Day holiday.

A heavy supply of hogs was a little troubling to speculators as this burden could spill over into the cattle trade. Demand nevertheless remained good for beef, and good margins had packers killing at a firm pace. Feedlot supplies appeared to be tightening as the spread between Choice and Select beef moved to almost $10 earlier in the week.

Boxed beef cutout values Thursday averaged $106.89, down $1.18 from the previous Friday.

Sales of slaughter cattle on a national basis for negotiated cash trades totaled a minimal 60,900 head through 10 a.m. Friday. The previous week’s full count was 174,500 head.

In High Plains direct trade, 35-65 percent Choice steers and heifers weighing 900-1400 pounds were limited at $63-64.

Midwest direct trade on 35-80 percent Choice steers and heifers 900-1400 pounds was $63-64, weighted average $63.50; dressed 550-950 pounds were $99-101, weighted average $100.50.

Slaughter cows and bulls were steady to $2 lower on Tuesday. Cutter cow carcass cutout values closed Thursday at $83, down 57 cents from the previous Friday.

Breaker cows 1000-1600 pounds were $35.50-39 in Colorado, $35.50-37.50 in Oklahoma and $32.50-35.50 in Alabama, boners 900-1500 pounds in the three areas $34-37.50, lean 850-1300 pounds $31.50-36.50; bulls 1500-2200 pounds brought $49-52 in Colorado and $46-49.50 in Oklahoma and Alabama.