Feeder Cattle Prices Uneven, Fed Cattle Standoff

After higher prices to start the new year, feeder cattle sold uneven at auction this week amid heavy supplies.
After higher prices to start the new year, feeder cattle sold uneven at auction this week amid heavy supplies.
(Wyatt Bechtel)

Steers and heifers sold at auction this week from $4 lower to $1 higher, according to Agricultural Marketing Service reporters. This week’s total receipts were the largest since July of 2018 and were 50,000 head higher than the first marketing week of last year.

Fed cattle markets were mostly at a standstill late Friday as cattle feeders sought higher money, with asking prices at $126 to $127 live, and $200 to $202 dressed. AMS reported only a few cattle traded in the Northern Plains $2 higher at $197 dressed. Last week feedyard saw closeouts show average profits of $77 per head, so any price increase could improve those closeouts. Packer margins are trending lower, though they remain historically large at more than $100 per head.

The Choice beef cutout traded at $212.46, down $2.05 from last Friday, and Select closed $1.39 lower at $206.27. The choice-Select spread was $6.19 per cwt.

USDA’s national cutter cow carcass cutout closed Friday at $158.52 per cwt.

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.