NATIONAL FEEDER

AND STOCKER CATTLE

(Federal-State Market News)

St. Joseph, Mo.

March 15

RECEIPTS

This Week Last Week Last Year

291,400 271,800 237,600

Compared to last week, Feeder Steers and Heifers sold 3.00 to 10.00 higher with some instances of 12.00 to 17.00 higher in the Southeast region.  Demand was moderate to good.

Markets moved back to record levels for most classes of cattle this week. The CME feeder cattle index established a new record high, breeding stock found good demand as did slaughter animals.

Regardless of where a producer might fall in the production arena current price levels are very satisfying if you are on the selling end.

In Montana Demand for grass cattle continues to be very strong.  Missouri reporters noted wind and tornado damage in various parts of the state. Also, transitional weather with small amounts of snow on the ground in the north and quickly becoming warm and sunny as the week progressed.

In Kansas crazy weather extremes have many scratching their heads as they attempt to fertilize brome and alfalfa. In Texas reporters also noted high winds with sustained winds from 35-50 mph with gusts ranging from 60-80 mph. Many of these winds coming to Oklahoma dropped humidity to desert like lows. Oklahoma saw very good demand for all classes of cattle.  Negotiated sales of slaughter steers and heifers in the Southern Plains traded 5.00 to 6.00 higher at 202.00 to 203.00.

In Nebraska, live sales were 4.00 to 6.00 higher at 206.00, and dressed sales sold 8.00 to 10.00 higher at 325.00. For the week, Choice Boxed beef closed on Friday at 318.27, 3.37 higher and Select closed at 306.32, 0.52 higher.

Weekly Cattle Slaughter under federal inspection estimated at 587K, 9K higher than last week and 10K less than a year ago.  Auction volume this week included 59 percent weighing over 600 lbs and 44 percent heifers.

 

 

NORTHWEST WEIGHTED AVERAGE DIRECT FEEDER CATTLE

Weekly Summary WA-OR-ID-UT

March 14

THIS WEEK LAST WEEK LAST YEAR

5077 858

Compared to last week: Not enough comparable trades last week to test trends. A definite higher undertone is noted. Demand good. Supply included: 100% Feeder Cattle (60.7% Steers, 39.3% Heifers). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 82%. Unless otherwise noted, Feeder Cattle prices FOB based on net weights after a 2-3% shrink or equivalent, with an 8-12 cent slide > 600 lbs. and up to a 20 cent slide < 600 lbs. Livestock reported this week originated from CA, ID, UT.

Steers – Medium and Large 1 (Per Cwt)

110 875 875 256.00 256.00 Current DEL

200 700 700 290.00 290.00 Apr FOB 1

845 850 850 267.51 267.51 Apr DEL

425 425 425 384.00 384.00 Jul DEL

500 850 850 260.00 260.00

Heifers – Medium and Large 1 (Per Cwt)

200 650 650 277.00 277.00 Apr FOB

857 800 800 255.51 255.51 Apr DEL

440 425 425 357.00 357.00

Heifers – Medium and Large 1-2 (Per Cwt

500 825 825 250.00 250.00