Market News

Midday cash livestock markets

Direct cash cattle trade activity is quiet. No bids are on the table at Friday’s open, but trade will need to develop throughout the day. Some light business was marked at $345 in the North on Thursday. No trade has developed yet in the South.

Boxed beef is mixed with Choice $.15 lower at $374.70, and Select was $4.29 sharply higher at $356.02. The Choice/Select spread is $18.68.

At the Winter Livestock Auction in Dodge City, Kansas, compared to last week, steers over 600 pounds and heifers over 650 pounds, both up to 850 pounds sold $20 higher. Receipts were down on the week but up on the year. Feeder supply included 60 percent steers and 78 percent of the offering was over 600 pounds. Medium and large 1 feeder steers 852 to 899 pounds brought $326 to $350.75 with an average price of $338.77. Medium and large 1 feeder heifers 911 to 947 pounds brought $302.25 to $308.25 with an average price of $305.19.

Cash hogs are higher with a very light negotiated run. The market rebounded slightly after a few days of light business where prices were mostly lower. Processors have been a little more aggressive in their procurement efforts, but they continue to have leverage. There are some concerns about global and domestic demand. Exports were down on the week and well-below the 4-week average.

Barrows and gilts at the National Daily Direct are $1.92 higher with a base range of $64 to $80 with a weighted average price of $74.46; the regional markets had no comparison.

Butcher hog prices at the Midwest cash markets were not available. Dorchester, Wisconsin was steady at $60 throughout the week.At Illinois, slaughter sows are steady with moderate demand for light offerings at $45 to $57. Barrows and gilts prices are steady with moderate demand for moderate offerings at $51 to $61. Boars ranged from $25 to $35 and $15 to $20.

Pork values are$.54 higher at $80.18. Bellies are sharply higher. Hams, ribs and picnics were higher while loins and butts are lower.