Fed Cattle Trade Uneven, Feeders Higher
Cash fed cattle traded uneven for the week, with Kansas sales at $123 - $124 per cwt., $1 to $2 lower, and Nebraska, Iowa and So. Minnesota cattle selling at $126 up to $128 per cwt., steady to $2 higher. Cattle sold on a dressed basis in the north at $206.
Despite the uneven trade, analysts say fed cattle supplies remain manageable. Price premiums in the north will continue, and some harvest-ready cattle will move from south to north to fill increased harvest rates.
Feeder cattle were called steady to $3 higher. Calf prices were called mixed, from $2 lower to $2 higher. AMS reporters said there was very good demand for steers and heifers under 700 pounds suitable for gazing programs. Buyers were very critical of excessive flesh, especially on heifers as the market activity slowed substantially if they were over-conditioned.
Choice boxed beef cutout vales on Friday were $226.93, with Select at $220.28.
