WEST PLAINS — Compared to last week, slaughter cows were steady to $2 lower and slaughter bulls were $4 lower Wednesday at Ozarks Regional Stockyards. Demand was moderate on a moderate supply of slaughter animals and a heavy supply of replacement cattle. Total receipts were 766 head. Fall-like temperatures across the Ozarks have made cattle transportation more pleasant, however, the rain deficit is still a major concern. The USDA released its Cold Storage Report on Friday and reported the total pounds of beef in freezers were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 5 percent from last year.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $205/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $155/cwt.
• For replacement cattle, the top bred cows sold for $4,400/head.
• The top pair sold for $4,300/pair.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $135.32/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $137.76/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $120.94/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $186.27/cwt.
Green yearlings cross the scales amid drought conditions
Compared to last week, feeder steers and heifers were steady to $6 higher Tuesday. Steer and heifer calves under 700 lbs were steady to $6 lower. Demand was good on a moderate supply of 3,051 head. Fall-like temperatures have arrived in the Ozarks with daytime highs near 90 and nighttime lows in the 50s. Lack of water in ponds and streams and poor pasture conditions are becoming more and more of a problem, with much of the area ten inches or more below the average rainfall for the year.
Market Highlights
• There were several drafts of green yearlings crossing the scales today with the largest draft being 102 head of 936 lb colored-up steers which sold for $296/cwt.
• Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs made up 51% of the offering.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 400-432 lbs (417 lbs avg): Averaged $479.82.
◦ 502-531 lbs (516 lbs avg): Averaged $404.66.
◦ 603-647 lbs (627 lbs avg): Averaged $367.72.
◦ 709-747 lbs (734 lbs avg): Averaged $349.61.
◦ 808-844 lbs (823 lbs avg): Averaged $329.76.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 450-495 lbs (474 lbs avg): Averaged $373.07.
◦ 530-536 lbs (535 lbs avg): Averaged $378.98.
◦ 609-623 lbs (620 lbs avg): Averaged $342.03.
◦ 654-686 lbs (670 lbs avg): Averaged $336.91.
Moderate supply clears video auction across multiple states
Demand was good on a moderate supply for this video auction held in conjunction with ORS' feeder cattle sale. Total receipts were 729 head reported sold. All cattle offered are in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. All deliveries are current through October 13, 2026, meaning cattle will be delivered up to 14 days from the video sale date.
Video Auction Highlights
• South Central Steers (M&L 1, 912 lbs avg): Current delivery averaged $312.28/cwt.
• South Central Heifers (M&L 1, 825 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $307.50/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 750 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $341/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 880 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $308/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 917 lbs avg): Current delivery averaged $295.22/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1-2, 757 lbs avg): Current delivery averaged $303.32/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
