Texas Fed Cattle Trend Higher
In Liberal One-Day Movement

AMARILLO —(USDA)— Slaughter steers and heifers closed $1 higher in Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma feedlot trading last week. Trade was slow except for active movement Wednesday, when the bulk of the cattle changed hands.

The week's showlist was mostly sold out, though some feedlots were unwilling or unable to sell during the brief window on Thursday, leaving some carryover. Offerings of market-ready cattle continue to run moderate to heavy.

Higher prices were supported by strong CME futures trade and higher boxed beef prices. Sales were confirmed on 103,900 head, including 29,100 formulated cattle, 400 contracts and 154 loads or 5400 CME deliveries, many of which returned to feedlots.

The weighted average price of all beef type steers was $65.88. The average liveweight of most cattle slaughtered at area packing plants the previous week was 1180 pounds compared to 1171 a week earlier and 1147 the same wee a year ago. Heifer percentages were 38, 42 and 41, respectively.

Slaughter steers and heifers in other marketing areas around the country were $1-2 higher, $2-4 higher on the hook.

Packer demand was moderate, the situation similar to the past several months with a sufficient supply of market-ready cattle. Clean-up of large cattle continues to improve, a plus to the market. Northern areas are well into lighter calf-feds.

Boxed beef was up $3.27 at $103.74. The mild winter has allowed exceptional performance from feedlot cattle. The percentage grading choice is high, as attested by the nearly indiscernible spread of $1.16 between select and choice values.

Some Texas trading:

Slaughter steers: mostly choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. $66.50; select and choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. $65-66, late mostly $66, weighted average price $65.88; select and few choice 2-3 1150-1350 lbs. $64-65.50, weighted average $64.81; pen select and choice 1-3 1200 lb. Holsteins $60.

Slaughter heifers: few mostly choice 2-3 1150-1200 lbs. $66.50; select and choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $65-66, late mostly $66, weighted average $65.98; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $65, weighted average $65; pen select and choice 2-4 1200 lbs. including heiferettes $64.50.