Texas Fed Cattle Higher Last
Week In Thursday-Only Trade

AMARILLO —(USDA)— Slaughter steers and heifers sold $1 higher in Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma feedlot trading last week.

Trade was slow until Thursday morning when packers increased bids to $66, resulting in heavy movement for a short time. Not all showlists were completely sold, leaving some carryover.

Supplies of market ready cattle continue to run moderate to heavy, but average weights are showing signs of coming down. Sales were confirmed on 138,900 head including 32,400 formulated cattle, 20,500 contracts and 128 loads or 4300 head of CME deliveries, most of which are returning to the feedlot.

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 1141 pounds compared to 1152 a week earlier and 1141 a year ago. Heifer percentages were 41, 42 and 40, respectively.

Slaughter steers and heifers in other trading areas around the country sold steady to $1 higher. Packer demand was good Thursday when the bulk of cattle traded but turned lighter late in the day.

Cattle futures were somewhat positive for the week but never reaching a point that supported the live price level paid. Boxed beef was at a level to support higher live cash prices despite the lag in the futures market. Boxed beef prices were up $1.24 to $106.86 and moved upward for the third consecutive week. Last year boxed beef averaged $99 and the Texas cash cattle price was $66. Cheaper hide and offal prices would dampen this scenario somewhat when compared to this year.

Some Texas trading:

Slaughter steers: select and choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. $65-66, few $66.25-66.50, late mostly $66, weighted average price $65.95; select and few choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. $64-65.50, weighted average $65.06; few select and choice 1-3 1250-1300 lb. Holsteins $59-60.

Slaughter heifers: select and choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $65-66, few $66.50, late mostly $66, weighted average $66.01; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $64-65.50, weighted average $65.13; few select and choice 2-4 1150-1250 lbs. including heiferettes $61-64.