WEST PLAINS, MO., May 13, 2026 — Compared to last week, slaughter cows and bulls sold $2 to $4 higher at the Ozarks Regional Stockyards. Demand was good on a moderate supply of bred cows and slaughter animals and a light supply of pairs.
Demand for slaughter animals was greater than the demand for replacement cattle. As a result, slaughter numbers outpaced replacements for the first time in several months. Total receipts were 771 head.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $240/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $196/cwt.
• On the replacement side, the top pair, which included twin calves, sold for $5,000/family.
• The top bred cows sold for $3,625/head.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $181.32/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $179.40/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $160.98/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $215.16/cwt.
Prices soften as CME Feeder Futures turn lower
Compared to last week, feeder steers and heifers were $3 to $5 lower in a lightly tested market. Steer calves under 700 lbs. were $5 to $10 lower and heifer calves were steady to $5 lower. Demand was moderate on a moderate supply of 2,444 head.
Markets opened brisk Tuesday morning with prices steady to firm before softening in the afternoon as the CME Feeder Cattle Futures turned sharply lower. Flesh condition dictated the prices as those on the thinner side were mostly steady with those carrying extra flesh receiving the larger discounts.
Market Highlights
• The largest draft of the day was 86 head of heifers weighing 604 lbs. which sold for $405/cwt.
• This was an exception to today's trend as a comparable load last week sold for $397/cwt.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 464-499 lbs (487 lbs avg): Averaged $536.29.
◦ 502-535 lbs (520 lbs avg): Averaged $511.35.
◦ 600-633 lbs (623 lbs avg): Averaged $422.19.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 405-439 lbs (429 lbs avg): Averaged $514.87.
◦ 451-499 lbs (470 lbs avg): Averaged $489.81.
◦ 500-540 lbs (511 lbs avg): Averaged $459.48.
Video: Current deliveries see good demand
Demand was good on a moderate supply for this Video Auction held in conjunction with ORS' regular feeder cattle sale. Total receipts were 840 head. All cattle offered are in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. All deliveries are current through May 30, meaning cattle will be delivered up to 14 days from the video sale date.
Video Auction Highlights
• South Central Steers (M&L 1):
◦ Current delivery (900 lbs avg) sold for $337/cwt.
◦ May delivery (615 lbs avg) sold for $451/cwt.
• South Central Steers (M&L 1-2): May delivery (850 lbs avg) sold for $346.50/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1): Current delivery (915 lbs avg) sold for $339/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1-2): Current delivery (757 lbs avg) sold for $336.99/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
