NATIONAL FEEDER

AND STOCKER CATTLE

(Federal-State Market News)

St. Joseph, Mo.

Nov. 20

RECEIPTS

This Week Last Week Last Year

343,800 346,400 349,900

Compared to last week, steers and heifers sold 2.00 to 6.00 lower. Demand for steer and heifer calves was much more moderate this week as the cattle futures complex continues to drop quickly.

After the sell-off the week before, the CME Cattle complex rebounded this week and the Feeder Cattle contracts gained back roughly 40% of losses. Cattle buyers continue to be selective and purchase calves with fall vaccinations and uniform. Even though some of these fall vaccinated calves hit the hospital pen they have been healthier overall than calves with springtime shots coming through the auction.

Cooler temps in the next few weeks should help freshly wean calves to bunk up and fill their bellies. The lack of any sustained stable cold has buyers continuing to want cattle that have a legit health program along with a good 45–60-day minimum weaning.

The lower markets over the last few weeks have made any 300.00-plus five weight steers basically non-existent.

Cooler, wetter weather ahead could be difficult for immune-compromised calves as this week is expected to bring a cold front through the heart of the country. Friday’s Cattle on Feed was neutral with On Feed at 102% of a year ago; Placements for October at 104%; and Marketings at 97%.

Negotiated cash sales of slaughter steers and heifers in the South Plains sold 2.00 to 3.00 lower at 178.00.

Nebraska dressed sales were 5.00 lower at 282.00 and live trades in Nebraska sold 2.00 to 3.50 lower at 178.00.

The North premium to the Southern region has now evaporated with live prices being even this week.

Choice boxed beef closed the week 6.59 lower at 293.87, while Select was 3.28 higher at 270.70 for the same period.

Weekly Cattle Slaughter under federal inspection estimated at 636K for the week, 18K more than last week, and 36K less than a year ago. Auction volume this week included 37% weighing over 600 lbs and 41% heifers.

Northwest Weighted Average Direct Feeder Cattle

Weekly Summary WA-OR-ID-UT

Nov. 17

This Week Last Week Last Year

629 795 666

Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers 3.00-5.00 lower. Demand light to moderate for feeder cattle. Supply included: 100% Feeder Cattle (22.3% Steers, 19.9% Dairy Steers, 37.2% Heifers, 20.7% Dairy Heifers). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 100%. Unless otherwise noted, Feeder Cattle prices FOB based on net weights after a 2-3% shrink or equivalent, with a 4-8 cent slide >600 lbs. Livestock reported this week originated from ID, OR, WA.

Steers — Medium and Large 1

10 head: 650 lbs, 228.00 Current DEL

70 head: 725 lbs, 226.00 Current DEL

60 head: 800 lbs; 213.00 Current DEL

Dairy Steers — Medium and Large 2

85 head: 650 lbs; 216.00 Current FOB

Dairy Steers — Medium and Large 3

40 head: 650 lbs; 179.00 Current FOB

Heifers — Medium and Large 1

44 head: 630 lbs, 220.00 Current DEL

70 head: 650 lbs, 212.00 Current DEL

120 head: 950 lbs, 211.00 Current DEL

Dairy Heifers — Medium and Large 2

90 head: 600 lbs, 201.00 Current FOB

Dairy Heifers — Medium and Large 3

40 head: 650 lbs, 259.00 Current FOB