WEST PLAINS, MO., July 8, 2026 — Market dynamics shifted noticeably over the two-week period as weather conditions fluctuated. During the week of July 1, extreme heat warnings severely restricted cattle movement toward the shade, keeping live ring receipts light at 415 head. Packer demand was also softer than normal due to holiday plant closures for Independence Day. By this week, receipts settled at 325 head with slaughter cows and bulls trading steady to $2 higher under good demand on the lighter supply.
Top Prices & Volume Comparisons
• Total Receipts: Volumes shifted from 415 head on July 1 to 325 head on July 8.
• Slaughter Bulls: Top per-hundredweight prices moved from $228 on July 1 to $237 on July 8.
• Slaughter Cows: Top prices went from $200 on July 1 down slightly to $196 on July 8.
• Replacement Pairs: Top cow-calf pairs reached $4,650/pair consistently across both weekly sessions.
• Bred Cows: Top bred cow prices adjusted from $3,900/head on July 1 to $3,750/head on July 8.
Pricing Averages Snapshot (July 1 vs. July 8)
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $177.15/cwt on July 1 vs. $178.08/cwt on July 8.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $173.05/cwt on July 1 vs. $175.34/cwt on July 8.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $158.27/cwt on July 1 vs. $156.08/cwt on July 8.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $211.71/cwt on July 1 vs. $210.14/cwt on July 8.
Feeder cattle: Calves surge higher as hay harvest concludes
Feeder cattle volumes rebounded sharply following a holiday slowdown. On June 30, heat advisories kept the live auction supply very light at 871 head, forcing most producers to transport animals overnight or in the early morning. Prices that week were steady to $3 higher on heavier stock, while calves under 700 lbs traded unevenly.
By July 7, receipts climbed to 1,904 head as cooler temperatures arrived and regional hay harvest wrapped up. Compared to the prior week's light run, feeder steers over 700 lbs sold $5 to $10 higher. Steer and heifer calves under 700 lbs saw a major surge, trading $6 to $12 higher with standout spots up to $20 higher under very strong market demand.
Volume & Live Summary Highlights
• Total Receipts: 871 head on June 30 vs. 1,904 head on July 7.
• Standout Drafts (June 30): The largest draft was 181 head of 793 lb heifers selling for $342/cwt.
• Standout Drafts (July 7): The largest draft was 244 head of 860 lb colored-up steers which brought $360.50/cwt. Additionally, a load of 76 head of 754 lb black steers sold for $390.50/cwt.
Pricing Snapshot: Medium & Large 1 Steers (June 30 vs. July 7)
• 400-450 lbs: None tested on June 30 vs. an average of $573.23/cwt (426 lbs avg) on July 7.
• 500-550 lbs: Averaged $472.97/cwt (532 lbs avg) on June 30 vs. $503.46/cwt (518 lbs avg) on July 7.
• 600-650 lbs: None tested on June 30 vs. an average of $459.29/cwt (613 lbs avg) on July 7.
Video auction sees increased supply clearings into July
The video market cleared a larger volume of regional cattle on the July opener. All livestock offered through the video ring during both weeks originated from herds in Arkansas, Missouri, and Mississippi, with current 14-day delivery parameters applied to all transactions.
Volume & Highlights
• Total Receipts: Volume advanced from 137 head sold on June 30 up to 502 head reported on July 7.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2): A load of 62 head averaging 820 lbs brought $368/cwt on June 30. On July 7, a heavier group of 237 head averaging 909 lbs brought $344.38/cwt.
• South Central Steers (M&L 1-2): A group of 120 head weighing 910 lbs traded at $345/cwt on July 7.
• Southeast Heifers: A current delivery draft of 75 head averaging 740 lbs sold for $347.75/cwt on June 30. On July 7, a separate load of 75 head averaging 750 lbs brought $343/cwt.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News MO Dept of Ag Market News - Dan Hill, Market Reporter Jefferson City, MO | (573) 751-5618 www.ams.usda.gov/lpgmn
