WEST PLAINS, MO., May 6, 2026 — Compared to last week, slaughter cows and bulls were $1 to $2 higher at Ozarks Regional Stockyards. Demand was good on a moderate supply of slaughter animals and bred cows and a light supply of pairs. Light rain fell across the area this week with cooler overnight temperatures. Many producers are getting hay equipment ready to start harvest as soon as the ground dries out. Early harvest yields have been less than average. Total receipts were 572 head.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $250/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $190/cwt.
• On the replacement side, the top pair sold for $5,250/pair.
• The top bred cow sold for $3,500/head.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $178.59/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $176.97/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $157.23/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $212.64/cwt.
Calves jump $5 to $15 higher
Compared to last week, feeder steers were $3 to $6 higher with feeder heifers not well tested. Steer calves were $5 to $10 higher and heifer calves were $10 to $15 higher. Demand was good on a moderate supply of 2,251 head. The CME Cattle Futures traded higher on the board Tuesday with Feeder Cattle Futures sharply higher.
Market Highlights
• The quality of the offering was above average with most of the offering presented in small drafts.
• The largest draft of the day was 259 head of colored-up steers weighing 858 lbs. which sold for $355/cwt.
• Another stick-out draft was 18 head of 458 lb. steers which sold for $600/cwt.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 402-435 lbs (418 lbs avg): Averaged $595.59.
◦ 450-477 lbs (462 lbs avg): Averaged $588.06.
◦ 500-535 lbs (519 lbs avg): Averaged $530.03.
◦ 550-589 lbs (568 lbs avg): Averaged $500.93.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 400-446 lbs (422 lbs avg): Averaged $534.16.
◦ 451-499 lbs (472 lbs avg): Averaged $493.37.
◦ 501-549 lbs (518 lbs avg): Averaged $469.56.
◦ 551-589 lbs (568 lbs avg): Averaged $436.94.
Video auction: Good demand on current deliveries
Demand was good on a moderate supply for this video auction held in conjunction with ORS' regular feeder cattle sale. Total receipts were 726 head. All cattle offered are in Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi and Oklahoma. All deliveries are current, which are cattle that will be delivered up to 14 days from the video sale date through May 19.
Video Auction Highlights
• South Central Steers (M&L 1, 925 lbs avg): Sold for $348/cwt.
• South Central Steers (M&L 1-2, 880 lbs avg): Sold for $350/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 875 lbs avg): Sold for $353.50/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 905 lbs avg): Averaged $343.41/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 750 lbs avg): Sold for $353.50/cwt.
• South Central Heifer Pairs (M&L 1-2 w/<150 calf, 1150 lbs avg): Sold for $5,550/family.
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
