Fed Cattle Direct Trade Nil
In South, Higher In North

OKLAHOMA CITY —(USDA)— Fed cattle trading was light in the South through Friday morning; most sales in the North were $2-3 higher, dressed sales $5 higher.

Feedlots continue to hang tough as the gap is still wide between the October CME slaughter board and the current packer bid. The monthly cattle on feed report was expected to show a large September placement figure, however, last year's figure was well below average due to the tragedies that occurred in that month.

Boxed beef cutout values Friday averaged $105.85, up $1.35 from the previous Friday. Sales of slaughter cattle on a national basis for negotiated cash trades were a minimal 64,400 head through Thursday; the previous week’s full count was 158,200 head.

High Plains direct markets were not established.

Midwest direct markets quoted 35-80 percent choice steers and heifers weighing 900-1400 pounds $65-66.50, dressed 550-950 pounds $102-105, average $103.

Slaughter cows and bulls were steady. Cutter cow carcass cutout value closed Thursday at $81.03, up $2.57 from the previous Friday.

On Tuesday, Colorado and Oklahoma had breaker cows 1000-1600 pounds at $33-36.50, Alabama $31-34; boners 900-1500 pounds in the three areas were $33-37, lean 850-1300 pounds in Colorado and Oklahoma $31.50-35, in Alabama $29.50-32.50; bulls 1500-2200 pounds in Colorado were $43-46.50, Oklahoma and Alabama $44.50-48.