Texas Fed Cattle Prices Strong
In Wednesday Trading Last Week

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

Trade was slow throughout the week, except on Wednesday when the bulk of trading took place. Boxed beef cutout values worked higher again, but slight price pressure was noted on Thursday. CME futures prices recorded slight price upturns for the week.

The Average liveweight of all cattle slaughtered in area packing plants continued to run 30 pounds more than a year ago. Sales were confirmed on 103,700 cattle, including 30,100 head formulated, 800 previously contracted and 6700 or 205 loads of CME cattle.

The weighted average price of all beef type steers was $63. The average liveweight of most cattle slaughtered at area packing plants the previous week was 1199 pounds compared with 1188 a week earlier and 1169 a year ago. Heifer percentages were 46, 47 and 48, respectively.

Slaughter steers and heifers sold steady to firm in most marketing areas around the country last week.

The estimated composite of boxed beef cutout values for choice 2-3 550-700 pound carcasses was up $1.56 to $106.28 and 700-850 pounds up $1.43 to $105.84.

Live cattle hung on to the $63 figure, supported by the continued rally in boxed beef sales, increased slaughter numbers, and tight nearby supplies.

Some Texas trading:

Slaughter steers: select and choice 2-3 1150-1275 lbs. $63-63.50, mostly $63, weighted average price $63.02; select and few choice 2-3 1150-1250 lbs. $62, weighted average $62.

Slaughter heifers: select and choice 2-3 1050-1150 lbs. $63-64, mostly $63 weighted average $63.05; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1150 lbs. $61-62 weighted average $61.82; pen select and choice 2-4 1200 lbs. including heiferettes $60.