Fed Market Firm, Feeders Uneven
The cash fed cattle market was slow to develop, with a few sales at $114 to $115, steady with last week. However, a firmer undertone was noted and some cattle feeders are asking $118.
Feeder cattle were called uneven, with cattle weighing over 800 pounds selling steady to $2 higher, and those under 800 pounds selling steady to $2 lower.
AMS reporters called this week’s demand for feeder weight cattle “very uneven, and mainly depended on age.” They said that was especially true for 6-weight cattle, which are “either too young for the feedyard and too big for new wheat pastures.”
Demand for heavier weight cattle and those that would finish in April was very good.
Discounts were noted on short-weaned or un-weaned calves. Nationwide, auction numbers were down from last week.
Boxed beef prices moved higher with the Choice cutout at $218.78, and Selects trading at $203.66.
