Texas Fed Cattle Traded Steady
Last Week In Moderate Movement

AMARILLO —(USDA)— Slaughter steers and heifers sold steady in Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma Feedlot trading last week.

Trade was inactive early, becoming active on Tuesday and finishing the week slow to moderate. Clearance was good with a few cattle carried over.

Confirmed sales totaled 75,300 head, including 14,500 formulated and 2100 contracted. The weighted average price of all beef type steers was $71.96.

The average liveweight of most cattle slaughtered at area packing plants the previous week was 1147 pounds compared with 1155 pounds a week earlier and 1178 a year ago. Heifer percentages were 47, 42 and 39, respectively.

Confirmed sales in Kansas direct trading totaled 89,200 head including 17,400 previously committed. Prices were steady to 50 cents higher, the bulk at $72.

Slaughter steer and heifer prices were mostly $1-2 higher at Midwest terminal and direct trading points. Western parts of the nation were steady to $2 higher.

The estimated composite cutout value of choice 2-3 550-700 pound carcasses was up $3.39 at $118.53, 700-850 pounds up $2.72 at $116.16. The price spread between light choice and select was $22.15.

Some Texas trading:

Slaughter steers: select and choice 2-3 1050-1250 lbs. $71-72, late $72, pen select to mostly choice $72.50, weighted average price $71.98; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1300 lbs. $69-71.50, weighted average $70.70; select and choice 1-3 1200 lb. Holsteins $63-65.

Slaughter heifers: select and choice 2-3 950-1150 lbs. $72, late $72, weighted average $72; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1150 lbs. $69-71.50, weighted average $70.45.