CATTLE REPORTS

Slaughter cattle sell higher, see good demand

WEST PLAINS, MO., July 29, 2026 — Compared to last week, slaughter cows and bulls were $2/cwt higher at Ozarks Regional Stockyards Slaughter Cow and Bull Sale. Demand was good on a light supply. Total receipts reached 234 head. Due to the extreme heat and humidity on Tuesday, ORS moved the feeder sale to Wednesday, prior to the Cow Sale. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s monthly Cattle on Feed Report released Friday reported inventories were up 2.2%, placements down 3%, and marketings down 2.7%. The USDA Bi-Annual Cattle Inventory also noted total cattle inventories were up slightly.

A special Cow Sale will be held at 5 p.m. Aug. 14.

Top Prices of the Day

• The top slaughter bull sold for $255/cwt.

• The top slaughter cow sold for $194/cwt.

• On the replacement side, the top bred cow sold for $4,000/head, with pairs not well tested.

Pricing Averages Snapshot

• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $181.82/cwt.

• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $177.64/cwt.

• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $164.97/cwt.

• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $216.39/cwt.

Feeder sale held Wednesday prior to cow sale

There were too few feeders to establish a trend, however undertones were steady to weak. Demand was moderate on a light supply of 328 head.

Market Highlights

• The largest draft of feeder calves was 32 head of 501 lb steers which sold for $445/cwt.

• Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs made up 22% of the offering.

Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)

• Steers (Medium & Large 1):

◦ 501 lbs: Averaged $445.

◦ 635 lbs: Averaged $400.

◦ 676 lbs: Averaged $390.

• Steers (Medium & Large 1-2):

◦ 415-423 lbs (421 lbs avg): Averaged $458.63.

◦ 515-540 lbs (536 lbs avg): Averaged $404.01.

• Heifers (Medium & Large 1):

◦ 410-423 lbs (416 lbs avg): Averaged $434.23.

◦ 465 lbs: Averaged $430.

• Heifers (Medium & Large 1-2):

◦ 409-418 lbs (413 lbs avg): Averaged $410.42.

◦ 450-480 lbs (463 lbs avg): Averaged $412.59.

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