Texas Fed Cattle Trade Higher
Last Week In Thursday Action

AMARILLO —(USDA)— Slaughter steers and heifers closed $1 higher last week in Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma feedlot trading. Feedlot operators held available cattle in firm hands and did not trade until Thursday when buyers raised bids.

Price strength in boxed beef cutout values helped support higher fed cattle prices. Movement of showlists was fairly complete with minimal carryover. Sales were confirmed on 104,200 head, including 29,600 formulated cattle.

The weighted average price of all beef type steers was $66.95. The average liveweight of most cattle slaughtered at area packing plants the previous week was 1153 pounds compared with 1150 pounds a week earlier and 1170 pounds a year ago. Heifer percentages were 44, 43 and 40, respectively.

Slaughter steers and heifers were $1-2 higher in other marketing areas. Packer demand was good as they pushed to keep up with the demand for beef at the retail level. Demand is expected to remain good as packers look forward to Father’s Day and the Fourth of July holidays.

Boxed beef prices hit another high of over $116, around 20 percent higher than at the same time last year. On the other hand, cash cattle prices are only three percent above a year ago. Boxed beef ended the week averaging $110.82, up $3.54.

Some Texas trading:

Slaughter steers: select and choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. mostly $67, few $67.25-67.50, weighted average price $67.01; select and few choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. $65.25-66.50, weighted average $66.04; few select and choice 1-3 1250-1300 lbs. Holsteins $60; select and choice 1-3 1250-1300 lbs. in the carcass $101-101.50.

Slaughter heifers: select and choice 2-3 1050-1150 lbs. $67, few $67.25-67.50, weighted average $67.01; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $65-66.50, weighted average $66.08.