Texas Fed Cattle Trade Short
Last Week, But Prices Steady

AMARILLO —(USDA)— Slaughter steers and heifers were steady in a limited test last week in Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle feedlot trading.

Trade was moderate the previous Friday, about 17,000 cattle selling for the only cash movement of the week.

Monday through Thursday trading was at a complete standstill as buyers and sellers alike refused to budge from their positions. Movement of cattle was near non-existent as buyers generally bid $61-62 throughout the week and sellers asked $64-65.

Most of the showlists were carried over. Sales were confirmed on 60,900 cattle including 43,100 head of formula cattle.

The weighted average price of all beef type steers was $62.98. The average liveweight of most cattle slaughtered at area packing plants the previous week was 1175 pounds compared to 1190 a week earlier and 1161 a year ago. Heifer percentages were 43, 40 and 38, respectively.

Some Texas trading:

Slaughter steers: select and choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. $63, two pens Tuesday 1200-1350 lbs. $63-64 in North Plains, weighted average price $63.02; select and few choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. $61.50-62.50, weighted average $62.16.

Slaughter heifers: select and choice 2-3 1050-1150 lbs. $63, pen 63.50, weighted average $63.01; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1150 lbs. $62, weighted average $62.