Cattle feeders saw higher prices in all regions last week. Trade in the North was called active at $184 to $185 per cwt. live which was $1 to $2 higher. Dressed prices were mostly $292 per cwt., $3 higher. Trade in the South was called moderate at $183 per cwt., with a few at $184. Supplies of market-ready cattle continue tightening.
Feeder cattle traded mostly $1 to $4 per cwt. lower and calves mostly $4 lower.
Wholesale beef prices declined for the week. Choice boxed beef closed Friday at $300.80 per cwt., down $1.21 for the week. Select boxed beef closed at $275.49 per cwt., down 29 cents on the week.
Weekly cattle slaughter was estimated at 617,000 head, down 45,000 from the same week a year ago. The year-to-date total was estimated at 25.485 million head, down 4.5% from last year.
Friday’s cattle futures saw some profit taking following gains on Wednesday and Thursday. December live cattle futures fell $1.05 to $186.75 on Friday and near the session low. For the week, December live cattle rose 7 1/2 cents. November feeder cattle futures lost $2.00 to $251.575 on Friday, near the session low and for the week up 70 cents.
