Texas Slaughter Cattle Trade
Near A Standstill Last Week

AMARILLO —(Jan. 6)— Slaughter steer and heifer prices were not well established in Texas Panhand and Western Oklahoma feedlot trading during last week’s holiday-shortened period. Trade and movement was limited to sales made the previous Friday, which were $1 higher; otherwise the market at a near standstill.

Feedlots were reluctant to trade at buyer bids and were satisfied to hold available cattle in firm positions. Sales were confirmed on 45,800 head including 29,800 formulated cattle.

The weighted average price of all beef type steers was $66. The average liveweight of most cattle slaughtered at area packing plants the previous week was 1156 pounds compared to 1166 a week earlier and 1134 a year ago. Heifer percentages were 38, 42 and 44, respectively.

Midwest terminals were steady to $1.50 higher, Midwest direct trade 50 cents to $1 higher and western parts of the nation were not well established.

The estimated composite of boxed beef cutout values for choice 2-3 550-700 pound carcasses was down 76 cents at $99, 700-850 pounds down 61 cents at $98.06.

Cutouts and packer margins remained soft with buyers cautiously assessing immediate and near-term slaughter needs.

Some Texas trading:

Slaughter steers: select and choice 2-3 1100-1300 lbs. $66 the previous Friday; pen select and few choice 2-3 1200 lbs. $65.50.

Slaughter heifers: select and choice 2-3 1000-1150 lbs. $66 the previous Friday; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1150 lbs. $64-65; few select and choice 2-4 1000-1200 lbs. including heiferettes $62-63.50.