Another Midweek Standoff
The Story In Cattle Trade

Same play, Act II.

Plains fed cattle trade failed to jell last week until Thursday, and at presstime it appeared poised to do the same thing again. One observer on the feeder side agreed that would suit him fine if it meant another week of prices $4 above initial bids.

Last week's bids started out at $59 and attracted no takers. By Thursday, packers were desperate enough for cattle to pay $63 and then come back the next day for more. It was the first time in a long while that feedlots felt such clout, and they liked it. This week's bids are $61-62, asking prices $64-65.

Aside from about 19,550 head Friday, the Texas Panhandle area hadn't sold a hoof through Wednesday afternoon, but captives stood at 42,730 on a showlist of 97,162 head.

Kansas was in the same boat, with 40,300 head made up of 27,600 captives and the balance Friday sales. Nebraska counted 15,800 for the week, too few to establish a quotable price.

Midwest direct trade was nil, terminals $58.40-60.30, a few to $62.30.

Southwest direct areas were quiet as a mime's wake, the Northwest $2 higher in slow trade at $100-102 dressed.

Stocker and feeder cattle caught an optimistic wind in most areas.

St. Joseph, Mo. called 3200 head $1-3 higher and a four-market Florida roundup was steady to as much as $4 higher on 3536 head. La Junta, Colo. offered 3855 head and was $2-3 higher on all weights of steer calves as well as heifer calves over 450 pounds; feeder steers were $1-3 higher and feeder heifers $1-2 higher.

In Texas, Crockett quoted all weights of steers and heifers steady to $2 higher on 1000 head. San Antonio was generally steady to $2 higher on about 2000 head over two days, and Amarillo noted a strong undertone on 1700.

Oklahoma City's receipts came to 10,550 head, the trend steady on calves and firm to $2 higher on feeder steers, $1-3 higher on feeder heifers. Best 350-400 pound steer calves brought $105.50-106; a few 400-450 pounds $98-107; 450-500 pounds $86.50-95; 500-550 pounds $83.50-88; 550-600 pounds $78-84.50; 600-650 pounds $76-80.50; 650-700 pounds $72-78; 700-800 pounds $71.75-76.75; 800-850 pounds $69.25-73.75; 850-900 pounds $66-67.75; 900-950 pounds $65.75-68; and 950-1000 pounds $66.25-66.75.