Plains Fed Cattle Much Higher
In Active Trading At Midweek

After a staring match the first two days of the week, Plains feedlot trade on Wednesday was quickly established at $62, some prices as much as $62.50, and about 3000 head in the Texas Panhandle all the way up to $63. That compares to bids and a few scattered sales a week earlier at $57, and massive movement last Thursday at $59.

Panhandle volume at presstime Wednesday stood at near 108,000 head on a reduced showlist of 88,487. Formula cattle were off 10,000 head or more from recent weeks at fewer than 28,000.

Kansas counted 46,000 for the same period at $62-63, captives there only about 17,000. Nebraska sold 65,000 head at mostly $62 live and $98-99 dressed.

Midwest direct trade ranged from mostly $62 to as much $63 live and $97 to $99 dressed, terminals anywhere from $58 to $61.90.

The Southwest was essentially quiet aside from a few pens of Holsteins at $57. Prices were $3.50 higher dressed basis in the Northwest at mostly $94.

The stronger fat market and improving grazing picture in some areas have given a boost to feeder and stocker prices.

St. Joseph, Mo. offered 1800 head and called trends mostly steady to $1 higher on heavy steers. A compilation of four Florida auctions with 7700 head between them quoted the market $2-4 higher on weights under 600 pounds and $1-3 higher on heavier kinds.

With two day receipts of 7867 head, La Junta, Colo. was steady to $1 and instances $2 higher on yearling steers, similar heifers $2 higher, and calves steady to $1 higher with the exception of a $2 dip on 400-500 pound steers.

San Antonio sold 1300 head Monday in steady to $3 higher trading. Amarillo’s receipts came to 2600, the trend $2-3 higher on steers and $1-2 higher on heifers.

Oklahoma City counted 9050 head across the scales at a $2-3 higher rate on feeder weights and a firm to $3 higher tilt on calves. Best 350-400 pound steer calves brought $80-89; 400-450 pounds $79-88.50; 450-500 pounds $74-84; 500-600 pounds $68-75.50; 600-700 pound calves $66-72, yearlings $70-73.75; 700-800 pounds $69-73.50; 800-850 pounds $67.50-70.50; 850-900 pounds $64.25-64.75; and 900-950 pounds $61.75-62.75.