Texas Fed Cattle Prices Lower
Once Again In Late-Week Trade

AMARILLO —(USDA)— Slaughter steers and heifers closed $1-2 lower last week as a bearish atmosphere prevailed in the fed cattle trade.

Buying interests came into the week bidding lower prices and never strengthened their bids. Some daily movement was noted, but the bulk of trade occurred late in the week as most feedlot operators held on to showlists as long as possible.

Clearance of market-ready fed cattle was fairly current, though there was carryover as some operators sold only parts of showlists. Most feedlot operators have worked their way into fairly current marketing situations as many have kept up-to-date on trading cattle. However, some heavy cattle were still noted and these kinds are usually receiving price discounts with buyers reluctant to purchase.

The average liveweight of most cattle continues to run around 20-30 pounds heavier than a year ago. Sales were confirmed on 91,000 head including 29,100 formulated cattle. The weighted average price of all beef type steers was $61.07.

The average liveweight of most cattle slaughtered at area packing plants the previous week was 1184 pounds compared with 1175 a week earlier and 1153 the same week a year ago. Heifer percentages were 40, 46 and 44, respectively.

Slaughter steer and heifer prices in other trading areas were $1-2 lower.

The estimated composite of boxed beef cutout values for Choice 2-3 550-700 pound carcasses was up 64 cents at $102.54, 700-850 pounds down 11 cents at $100.45.

As CME live cattle futures started the week in a declining mode, commercial feedlots were unable to hold fast to their opening bids of steady to higher money. And as the week progressed, packers were able to maintain slaughter numbers with the previous week's late buys while continuing to maintain profitable margins. Even though retail demand was somewhat improved, commercial feedlots relented to the lower asking prices to keep feedlots in their current status.

Some Texas trading:

Slaughter steers: select and choice 2-3 1100-1250 lbs. $61-62, few $62.50-63 early, late $61, few $61.25-61.50, weighted average price $61.09; select and few choice 2-3 1150-1350 lbs. $60-60.50, weighted average $60.42; select and few choice 2-3 1100 lb. corrientes $57; select and choice 1-3 1200-1250 lb. Holsteins $52-53; carcass basis, choice $101-102.50, select $92-92.50; select and choice 2-3 $97.

Slaughter heifers: select and choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $61-62, late $61, few $61.25-61.50, weighted average $61.11; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1150 lbs. $60.50-60.50, weighted average $60.37; select and choice 2-4 1250 lbs. including heiferettes $59; carcass basis, select and choice 2-3 $97.