Slaughter cow and bull market supply moderate
WEST PLAINS, MO., May 20, 2026 — Compared to last week, slaughter cows and bulls were steady to $2 higher with most of the gain on high dressing cattle at the Ozarks Regional Stockyards. Demand was good on a moderate supply of bred cows and slaughter animals and a light supply of pairs. Hay harvest has been delayed as rains moved across the area with hopes it will help with increasing yields once the fields dry out. Total receipts were 675 head.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $258/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $200/cwt, both at or near record prices for ORS.
• On the replacement side, the top pairs sold for $5,000/pair.
• The top bred cows sold for $4,100/head.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $179.26/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $176.37/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $160.15/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $215.18/cwt.
Prices climb during largest weekly sale of the year
Compared to last week, feeder steers and heifers were $4 to $6 higher. Steer and heifer calves under 700 lbs were $6 to $12 higher. Demand was very good on a heavy supply of 5,822 head. Traditionally the third week of May is the largest weekly sale of the year and this year was no exception.
Market Highlights
• The quality of the offering was above average, with several large drafts from reputation herds coming across the scale.
• The largest draft of the day was 187 head of 592 lb steers which sold for $484/cwt.
• Rain across the area, with more expected, had producers in a good mood and prices had them leaving with a smile on their face.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 451-493 lbs (474 lbs avg): Averaged $533.94.
◦ 550-595 lbs (577 lbs avg): Averaged $482.45.
◦ 600-644 lbs (618 lbs avg): Averaged $451.53.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 400-446 lbs (425 lbs avg): Averaged $509.39.
◦ 501-549 lbs (526 lbs avg): Averaged $456.94.
◦ 603-641 lbs (630 lbs avg): Averaged $388.29.
Video auction: Steady demand on current and June deliveries
Demand was good on a moderate supply for this video auction held in conjunction with ORS' regular feeder cattle sale. Total receipts were 450 head. All cattle offered are in Arkansas and Missouri. All deliveries are current through June 19, meaning cattle will be delivered up to 14 days from the video sale date.
Video Auction Highlights
• South Central Steers (M&L 1, 460 lbs avg): June delivery sold for $575/cwt.
• South Central Steers (M&L 1, 575 lbs avg): June delivery sold for $484/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 865 lbs avg): June delivery sold for $346/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 772 lbs avg): Current delivery averaged $337.04/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
