WEST PLAINS — Compared to last week, slaughter cows and bulls were $2 to $4 lower Wednesday at the Ozarks Regional Stockyards. Demand was moderate on a moderate supply of 581 head.
The heat dome finally broke this week with temperatures being more fall-like, featuring highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. Some areas were fortunate to see some rain, however, most of the streams and ponds are dry or extremely low. Pasture conditions for most of the area are poor with many reporting they are having to feed hay
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $220/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $153/cwt.
• On the replacement side, the top pair sold for $4,850/pair.
• The top bred cow sold for $3,800/head.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $142.43/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $139.61/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $120.73/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $191.47/cwt.
Mixed quality, moderating demand on largest feeder offering since mid-May
Compared to last week, feeder steers and heifers were steady to weak on Tuesday. Steer and heifer calves weighing 500-699 lbs were steady to $10 lower, while PeeWee calves under 500 lbs were sharply higher. Demand was good but softened throughout the day. The supply was moderate with 3,262 head, marking the largest offering since mid-May. The quality of the offering was mixed, featuring several groups of high-quality, pre-conditioned calves as well as several calves never touched by human hands.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cattle on Feed Report released last Sept. 18 reported inventories were up 1%, placements were down 9% and marketings were down 3%. Placements were much lower than experts had predicted, pushing CME Cattle Futures much higher on Monday before suffering a downward correction on Tuesday.
Market Highlights
• The largest draft of the day was 116 head of 1,008 lb steers which sold for $296.50/cwt.
• Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs made up 49% of the offering.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 400-444 lbs (419 lbs avg): Averaged $485.27.
◦ 457-499 lbs (481 lbs avg): Averaged $446.42.
◦ 502-542 lbs (522 lbs avg): Averaged $433.23.
◦ 553-589 lbs (577 lbs avg): Averaged $403.76.
◦ 602-635 lbs (611 lbs avg): Averaged $377.08.
◦ 706-749 lbs (724 lbs avg): Averaged $350.73.
◦ 802-837 lbs (811 lbs avg): Averaged $321.71.
◦ 1,008 lbs: Averaged $296.50.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 460-483 lbs (471 lbs avg): Averaged $405.31.
◦ 502-541 lbs (528 lbs avg): Averaged $381.99.
◦ 652-694 lbs (663 lbs avg): Averaged $339/cwt.
Moderate video supply clears with good demand
Demand was good on a moderate supply for this video auction held in conjunction with ORS' regular feeder cattle sale. Total receipts were 431 head reported sold. All cattle offered are in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Mississippi. All deliveries are current through Oct. 10, with current deliveries being cattle that will be delivered up to 14 days from the video sale date (through Oct. 6).
Video Auction Highlights
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 900 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $313/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 855 lbs avg): Current delivery averaged $311.21/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 750 lbs avg): October delivery sold for $319/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
