Hulett: Packers Hold Market Steady

The live cattle market in the South remained at $119 last week, and the steadiness of the market was controlled by the packer.  Once again there was very limited trade of fat cattle, with many producers willing to take less just for the opportunity to actually be able to sell something even though that never materialized.   

The North remained mostly steady with their market, too.  Live cattle traded at $118-$120 and most of the dressed trade was in the lower $190’s.  The trade volume was much better in the North compared to South.

Many independent feeders are finding themselves fighting the same issues this year as they faced last year.  Cattle are beginning to pile up on show lists, and feeders are unable to sell cattle despite being willing to take less money than what packers are offering.  What might make this year even worse is the fact that feed costs are more than double what they were a year ago.  This may be why some producers don’t always agree when they hear state and national cattle organizations talk about us having a robust live cattle trade.