WEST PLAINS, MO., July 22, 2026 — Compared to last week, slaughter cows and bulls were steady Wednesday at Ozarks Regional Stockyards. Demand was good on a light supply. Total receipts reached 352 head. Much cooler weather and lower humidity moved across the region Tuesday night, bringing needed relief to both man and beast. Pasture conditions continue to be above average for this time of the year. Hay harvest continues in those areas where scattered showers have missed, with yields much better than earlier harvests.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $244/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $196/cwt.
• On the replacement side, the top pair sold for $4,250/pair.
• The top bred cow sold for $4,150/head.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $179.13/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $180.53/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $158.22/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $214.21/cwt.
Compared to last week, there were too few calves across all weight ranges for an adequate comparison on Tuesday, however undertones were $10 to $20 lower. Demand was moderate on a very light supply of 450 head due to the heat index sitting at 110-plus degrees. The quality of the offering was below average with buyers being very selective and discounting bawling calves and any calves with excessive hair. Traditionally, cash feeder prices soften following the Fourth of July holiday with this year being no exception. On Monday, CME Cattle Futures traded on the positive side for the first time since June 25, following weeks of lower slaughter cattle and boxed beef prices.
Market Highlights
• The only stand-out group of the day was 111 head of 657-668 lb mostly black-hided steers that sold for $413 to $413.50/cwt (averaging $413.37/cwt), which was steady compared to last week.
• Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs made up 38% of the offering.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 375-393 lbs (390 lbs avg): Averaged $568.40.
◦ 657-668 lbs (661 lbs avg): Averaged $413.37.
• Steers (Medium & Large 1-2):
◦ 454-458 lbs (455 lbs avg): Averaged $468.76.
◦ 505-543 lbs (530 lbs avg): Averaged $440.11.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1-2):
◦ 407-445 lbs (417 lbs avg): Averaged $418.13.
◦ 451-495 lbs (468 lbs avg): Averaged $417.56.
◦ 517-543 lbs (520 lbs avg): Averaged $380.55.
Demand was good on a moderate supply for this video auction held in conjunction with ORS' feeder cattle sale. Total receipts were 402 head reported sold. All cattle offered are in Arkansas, with current deliveries through August 4, 2026.
Video Auction Highlights
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 880 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $322/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 919 lbs avg): Current delivery averaged $319.11/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 475 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $437/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 760 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $331.50/cwt.
