Cattle feeders were able to keep cash markets steady last week. The market in the South remained split between $137-$138. Packers were on limited head counts. This was mainly due to several packers having plant issues that had backed up harvest numbers.
Feeders in the North continued to keep their large spread going over the South. Cash trade ranged from $145-$150 in most areas with dressed cattle bringing in the low to mid $230’s.
Now that we are past the 4th of July holiday we will likely see meat demand taper off. This slowdown is typical for this time of year. This slowdown could have packers slowing down production to keep from having a back log of product, forcing cash prices lower through the summer.
Brad Hulett is Director, Customer Development & Regional Manager, Kansas, at Consolidated Beef Producers, Inc.
