Plains Fed Cattle Stalled
Again At Midweek, Bids $59

Plains fed cattle trade was stalled through midweek as would-be buyers stubbornly bid $59 and potential sellers just as stubbornly refused to take less than $60.

The figure has become something of a symbolic line in the sand, particularly this week with feedlots convinced that last week’s slim trade will force packers to come to the table for supplies. Most observers expected something to happen by Thursday.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Panhandle area had confirmed fewer than 40,000 head moving, and more than 34,000 of those were captives. The showlist stood at 89,972 head.

Kansas counted 41,700 head including 38,300 captives, and Nebraska sold 48,000 at $59-59.50 live, a few lots to $60.50, dressed deals $94-95.

Midwest direct trade came in at $59-60.50 live and $94-95 dressed, a few strictly Choice offerings to $97 and some straight Selects as low as $88. Terminal markets offered $57-59.90.

The Southwest was typically slow, but several loads of beef-breed steers made $59 and some to Mexico $56.50-58.67; Holsteins ranged from $53 to $55.57. The Northwest was steady in active trading at mostly $93 dressed as captive supplies dwindled.

A healthier tone made itself known in the stocker and feeder cattle trade this week. Most markets at least managed not to lose more ground, and some registered price increases ranging from modest to significant.

St Joseph, Mo. once again reported too few cattle on hand to call a trend as good moisture conditions in that area have prompted producers to hold cattle for a better market. A roundup of four Florida auctions selling 4032 head between them found prices mostly steady.

In Texas, 3300 head sold at Crockett on a steady to $2 higher trend. Amarillo offered about 1400 head to steady prices on all represented classes.

San Antonio reported a $2-4 higher market on steers Monday, heifers steady to $1 higher on 1046 head; Wednesday’s 500-head trade was $4-6 lower on weights under 500 pounds, however, and $2-3 lower on heavier sorts.

With just over 10,000 head on hand, Oklahoma City called most classes steady but reported a steady to $2 higher trend on heifer calves. Best 400-450 pound steer calves earned $75-79.50; 450-500 pounds $73-76.50; 500-600 pounds $72-77.50; 600-700 pounds $68-73.75, a few 650-700 pound calves $67.25-70.25; 700-800 pounds $67-71.25, a few "calves" weighing 700-750 pounds $65.50-68; 800-850 pounds $66-70; 850-900 pounds $65-67.50; 900-950 pounds $63.25-67.25; and 950-1000 pounds $62.50-63.75.