WEST PLAINS, MO., May 27, 2026 — Compared to last week, slaughter cows and bulls were steady at the Ozarks Regional Stockyards on Wednesday. Demand was good on a moderate supply of slaughter animals and a heavy supply of replacement cattle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cold Storage Report was released May 22 and reported the total pounds of beef in freezers was up slightly from the previous month but down 3% from a year ago. Total receipts were 880 head.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $256/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $197/cwt.
• On the replacement side the top pairs sold for $5,100/pair.
• The top bred cows sold for $4,700/head.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $181.49/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $177.03/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $159.88/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $214.72/cwt.
Prices slide amid bearish reports and light supply
Compared to last week, feeder steers and heifers were not well tested on Tuesday, however undertones were lower. Steer and heifer calves under 700 lbs were $4 to $12 lower with spots $20 lower. Demand was moderate on a light supply of 1,351 head.
Market Highlights
• The quality of the offering was less than average compared to the outstanding offering last week.
• Most of the offering was in small drafts with only two drafts over 20 head.
• The largest draft of the day was 207 head of colored-up, slightly fleshy steers weighing 1047 lbs which sold for $306/cwt.
• A bearish cattle on feed report was released May 22 which had Inventories 2% higher, Placements 6% higher and Marketings 10% lower.
• Spot CME Feeder Cattle Futures responded negatively on May 21 and 22, losing over $15, and were unevenly steady on Tuesday after being closed for Memorial Day.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 500-534 lbs (515 lbs avg): Averaged $476.08.
◦ 551-566 lbs (561 lbs avg): Averaged $465.18.
◦ 606-612 lbs (609 lbs avg): Averaged $433.50.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 401-430 lbs (406 lbs avg): Averaged $493.97.
◦ 500-514 lbs (508 lbs avg): Averaged $439.95.
◦ 628-640 lbs (635 lbs avg): Averaged $372.09.
Video auction: Good demand on moderate supply for Arkansas cattle
Demand was good on a moderate supply for this video auction held in conjunction with ORS' feeder cattle sale. Total receipts were 448 head. All cattle offered are in Arkansas, with current deliveries up to 14 days from the video sale date through June 10.
Video Auction Highlights
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 900 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $331.50/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 900 lbs avg): June delivery sold for $335.50/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 757 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $337/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1-2, 780 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $325/cwt.
Auction Details
The supply included 40% Steers and 60% Heifers, with 100% of the feeder cattle weighing over 600 lbs. Prices are reported on an FOB basis based on net weights, after a 3% pencil shrink.
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
