Hulett: Cash Moves Higher

Cattle feeders saw continued upward movement in the market last week.  $142 was the common number that moved cattle in most locations in the South.  This level enticed many producers to move cattle, with the help of having at least four packers in the market.

The North continued to see a stronger market than that in the South.  Dressed trade was manly in the mid to upper $220’s with cash ranging from $142-$144 for the most part.  Packer participation was strong in this area, too.

This week will more than likely bring more of the same of what we have seen the last couple of weeks.  Packers appear to still need cattle to fill harvest needs, while feeders are seeing lower numbers of market-ready cattle.  This should help keep the market at least steady, with a good chance to once again move slightly higher.

Brad Hulett is Director, Customer Development & Regional Manager, Kansas, at Consolidated Beef Producers, Inc.