Texas Fed Cattle Prices Higher,
Most Trading Done On Wednesday

AMARILLO —(USDA)— Slaughter steers and heifers sold steady to 50 higher in Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma feedlot trading last week. Trade was at a standstill until Wednesday, when the bulk of movement occurred.

Buying interests came into the week bidding lower prices while feedlots held cattle in firm hands. Feedlots resisted selling until packers raised bids to steady to higher levels at midweek.

The week's movement of 188,200 includes nearly 52,000 cattle traded the previous Friday. Captive cattle numbers remained at record levels at 57,000 head.

Most feedlots were willing sellers and showlists were depleted with only minimal carryover. The weighted average price of all beef type steers was $65.42. The average liveweight of most cattle slaughtered at area packing plants the previous week was 1191 pounds compared to 1181 a week earlier and 1199 a year ago. Heifer percentages were 41, 42 and 40, respectively.

Slaughter steers and heifers were steady to $1 higher in other marketing areas. Packer demand was good as many cattle sold by midweek, one day earlier than the norm of late Thursday or Friday. Though numbers appear large, it only cleans up the previous week's large holdovers. Feedlots are current and kills remain large.

Boxed beef prices remained in a healthy position with very little change to average $110.18. Demand remains good for beef.

Some Texas trading:

Slaughter steers: select and choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. $65-66, few $66.50, weighted average price $65.47; select and few choice 2-3 1150-1300 lbs. $63.50-65, weighted average $64.22.

Slaughter heifers: select and choice 2-3 1050-1150 lbs. $65-66, few $66.50, weighted average $65.40; select and few choice 2-3 1050-1200 lbs. $64-65, weighted average $64.52.