Slaughter cattle prices were higher last week with the 5-Area Direct Choice steers averaging $239.44/cwt. compared to $234.65/cwt. the prior week and significantly higher than the prior year average for the same week, which was $209.97/cwt.
Feeding margins last week average $342.33/head against a $215/cwt. breakeven and a breakeven for cattle placed on feed last week of $236/cwt. Sterling average estimated packer margin last was -$207/head compared to -$193/head a week earlier. Capacity utilization continues to hover in the mid-70% range.
View the full Sterling Beef Profit Tracker for the week ending Jan. 31.
The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.
(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)
