Texas Fed Cattle Prices Took
Sharp Jump To $64 Last Week

AMARILLO —(USDA)— Slaughter steers and heifers closed $3 to $4 higher in Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma feedlot trading during last week’s holiday-shortened period. Trade was active on Tuesday and Wednesday as buyers became aggressive for numbers.

Feedlots were willing sellers, and showlists were depleted, leaving little or no carryover. The weighted average price of all beef type steers was $63.48.

The week’s movement of 106,800 head included 14,300 formulated, 600 contracted and 800 CME futures cattle. The average liveweight of most cattle slaughtered at area packing plants the previous week was 1155 pounds compared to 1155 pounds a week earlier and 1164 pounds the same week last year. Heifer percentages were 33, 37 and 32, respectively.

Direct fat cattle sales in other High Plains areas were also mostly $2-4 higher with good movement. Midwest terminals and direct points were fully steady to $1.50 higher and western parts of the nation $1.50-3.50 higher.

The estimated composite boxed beef cutout value for choice 2-3 550-700 pound carcasses was up 19 cents to $98.79 while 700-850 pound carcasses were down 32 cents to $97.52.

The week began with commercial feedlots asking prices ranging from $63-65 and packers bidding $60. Packers were needing inventory, however, and came out with higher bids Tuesday and Wednesday. The higher prices were supported somewhat by higher cutouts and an improved demand from the retail side. Those sharply higher bids moved most showlists. High feed costs driven by tight supplies continue to pressure the feeder complex.

Some Texas trading:

Slaughter steers: select and choice 2-3 1100-1250 lbs. $62-64, late $63 to mostly $64, weighted average price $63.50; select and few choice 2-3 1100-1300 lbs. $61-63, weighted average $62.27.

Slaughter heifers: select and choice 2-3 1000-1150 lbs. $62-64, pen in North Plains $65, late $63 to mostly $64, weighted average $63.49; select and few choice 2-3 1000-1150 lbs. $62-63, weighted average $62.27; select and choice 2-4 1100-1200 lbs. including heiferettes $60.