Stocker and Feeder Cattle Uneven Last Week
Drought is bringing spring-born calves to town a full two- to three-months early in the Northern Plains, yet demand was called very good last week. Agricultural Marketing Service reporters say steers and heifers sold uneven at $1 lower to $2 higher.
“Despite it being a bit too early for cattle feeders, demand is very good for these light calves,” AMS reports. “Demand is good to very good for yearling steers and heifers as higher negotiated cash slaughter cattle, higher nearby cattle futures and sharply lower grain futures are driving higher prices in the feeder cattle auction arena.”
AMS reported the negotiated cash fed cattle top was $129.50 in Iowa, with “cattle feeders feeling very optimistic for the coming months as demand continues to soar at the meat counter.”
Spotty to heavy rain showers were evident late last week across Nebraska and strong winds and hail damage came along with the storms. Silage choppers are starting to be more prevalent in Nebraska. Most alfalfa producers are on third cutting and many fields will have a 4th taken off this year.
AMS said auction receipts totaled 144,600 last week, compared to 147,800 the previous week and 1600,400 last year.
Monday's National Slaughter Cattle Summary reports fed steers averaged $125.97 per cwt., with dressed cattle at $201.65. The Choice boxed beef prices was $348.03 per cwt., up $2.97 from Friday.
