WEST PLAINS — Supply was moderate with very good demand, and a large crowd was on hand for last Saturday’s late summer replacement sale at Ozarks Regional Stockyards. Bidding both in person and online was very active throughout the auction. The sale featured several herd dispersals. Total receipts reached 775 head, with no recent market comparison available.
Market Highlights
• The high selling lot of the auction at $5,800/pair was fancy young pairs with big calves selling as 3-in-1 packages.
• One of the features of the auction was a set of fancy third-stage heifers selling for $5,050/head.
• The high selling bull sold for $5,500/head.
• The top selling bred cows sold for $4,350/head.
Slaughter bulls hold steady
Compared to last week, slaughter bulls were steady and slaughter cows were $2 to $4 lower Wednesday. Demand was good on a light supply of 310 head.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $218/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $186/cwt.
• On the replacement side, the top bred cow sold for $3,700/head, while pairs were not well tested.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $167.75/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $167.55/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $151.30/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $205.19/cwt.
Feeder cattle receipts suffer under excessive heat, dry pastures
Compared to last week's light run, this week's even lighter run was too few for an adequate comparison; however, undertones were lower. Demand was moderate on a very light supply of 543 head. Weaker cash prices along with the heat and humidity have been keeping receipts much lighter than usual.
Pasture conditions have been becoming less favorable in those areas not receiving rain as the high temperatures have been taking their toll. Subsoil moisture across those areas is non-existent, and ponds and streams are reflecting the effects of annual rainfall 15-20 inches below average.
Market Highlights
• This week's offering included only seven drafts larger than 10 head, with the largest draft being 20 head.
• Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs made up 32% of the offering.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 411-412 lbs (412 lbs avg): Averaged $499.99.
◦ 500-522 lbs (508 lbs avg): Averaged $422.07.
◦ 565-578 lbs (574 lbs avg): Averaged $390.70.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 410-415 lbs (413 lbs avg): Averaged $455.04.
◦ 529-538 lbs (532 lbs avg): Averaged $375.25.
Two video auctions clear solid demand
This week featured two video auction events. On Tuesday, demand was good on a moderate supply of 420 head held in conjunction with ORS' regular feeder cattle sale. All cattle offered were in Arkansas. On Wednesday, the regular Cow and Bull Sale started off with an additional 53 head. Demand was very good with both groups having no trouble finding a new home.
Tuesday Video Auction Highlights
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 780 lbs avg): August-September delivery sold for $342/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 900 lbs avg): August-September delivery sold between $304 and $312/cwt (averaging $310).
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 1150 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $241.50/cwt.
Wednesday Video Auction Highlights:
• South Central Bred Heifers (M&L 1, 1100 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $4,300/head.
• Southeast Replacement Heifers (M&L 1, 813 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $3,100/head.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News MO Dept of Ag Market News - Market Reporters Jefferson City, MO | (573) 751-5618 www.ams.usda.gov/lpgmn
