Market News

Cattle market slow to start Thursday after Wednesday’s limited business

The cash cattle market is slow to start Thursday with a few scattered bids in the North. Southern live deals yesterday started at $124.00 but by the end of the day had backed down to $123.00. Northern dressed business ranged from $197.00 to $204.00, mostly $203.00. Asking prices Thursday morning are around $124.00 plus in the South, and $204.00 plus in the North.

Boxed beef is lower again today. Choice boxes down 52 cents, at $337.92. Select boxes down $2.21, at $305.36.

At the Green City, Missouri Livestock Auction Wednesday, they sold 2,927 cattle. Compared to their sale last month, steers and heifers sold mostly $2.00 to $5.00 higher with 700 to 800-pound heifers trading as much as $10.00 higher on the strength of a large reputation consignment of backgrounded heifers. There was slight weakness on yearling steers weighing 900 pounds and up, which averaged a couple dollars lower than the last sale. Really good buyer attendance and activity this week. The feeder market isn’t getting much support from fed cattle, but lower corn futures have resulted in higher feeder cattle prices. Supply heavy, demand moderate to good.

Medium and large #1 steers:
108 head, weighing 553 to 590 pounds, brought $181.50 to $189.25.
225 head, weighing 872 to 894 pounds, brought $154.00 to $155.75.

Medium and large #1 heifers:
492 head, weighing 701 to 736 pounds, brought $150.50 to $162.25.

Cash hog prices are delayed today. Packers have increased hog slaughter to compensate for the holiday weekend. Analysts are watching export sales for some indication of continued buying from China.

National Direct barrow and gilt prices were delayed because of packer submission issues.

Illinois Direct Slaughter Sows: 1075 head; slaughter sow prices were $1.00 lower, with moderate demand for moderate to heavy offerings. 

US 1-3 under 400 lbs.   $65.00-$72.00
                  400-500 lbs. $69.00-$75.00
                  500-600 lbs.  $74.00-$78.00 
                  Over 600 lbs. $78.00-$82.00  
   Boars: under 300 lbs.  $30.00-$35.00
over 300 lbs.                     $10.00-$12.00
Illinois barrows and gilts $1.00 lower, with moderate demand for moderate to heavy offerings: $56.00 to $64.00.

Wholesale pork is higher Thursday. The carcass value is up $2.20 at $108.74.