WEST PLAINS, MO., July 15, 2026 — Compared to last week, slaughter cows and bulls sold $2 to $4 higher on Wednesday at the Ozarks Regional Stockyards. Demand was good on a moderate supply. Total receipts reached 493 head, an increase from the 325 reported the prior week.
Much of the hay in the area has been harvested, and pasture conditions are notably better than usual for the middle of July.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $246/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $199/cwt.
• On the replacement side, the top cow-calf pair sold for $5,500/pair.
• The top bred cow sold for $3,900/head.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $182.10/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $179.84/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $158.47/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $215.95/cwt.
Compared to last week, feeder calves generally sold $2 to $4 lower on Tuesday. Steer and heifer calves under 750 lbs sold unevenly from $4 lower to $4 higher, with certain spots trading up to $10 lower. Demand remained good on a moderate supply of 1,890 head.
Market tone was pressured by CME Cattle Futures trading lower on Tuesday, alongside a continued loss of ground for boxed beef prices.
Market Highlights
• The largest draft of the day was 81 head of 734 lb heifers, which sold for $340.25/cwt.
• Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs made up 40% of the daily offering.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 401-413 lbs (405 lbs avg): Averaged $550.67.
◦ 505-538 lbs (517 lbs avg): Averaged $498.48.
◦ 608-635 lbs (624 lbs avg): Averaged $445.87.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 405-436 lbs (415 lbs avg): Averaged $485.95.
◦ 452-473 lbs (469 lbs avg): Averaged $480.32.
◦ 602-640 lbs (619 lbs avg): Averaged $388.33.
Demand was good on a moderate supply for this week's video auction held in conjunction with ORS' regular feeder cattle sale. Total receipts counted 379 head reported sold. All cattle in the video offering were located in Arkansas and Missouri, and all lots were traded for current delivery through July 28.
Video Auction Highlights
• South Central Steers (M&L 1, 950 lbs avg): July delivery sold for $335.75/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 880 lbs avg): Current delivery brought $326/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 750 lbs avg): Current delivery cleared at $337.50/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1-2, 760 lbs avg): Current delivery finished at $330.50/cwt.
