National Ag News

Direct cash cattle trade activity is typically quiet this morning.  Bids and asking prices have yet to be established.  We’ve seen business developing earlier in the week and that could happen as early as tomorrow.  It wouldn’t be surprising if there were a few token bids that popped up today.  But significant trade volume will likely develop through the balance of the week. The majority of
last week’s business took place on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Deals were at mostly $120 live, generally $2
to $3 lower than the previous week’s weighted averages.  Dressed deals range from $185 to $196, mostly
at $190 to $194, which is roughly $6 lower than the prior week’s weighted
averages. 

Boxed beef is firm to higher at midday on moderate demand
for light offerings.  Choice is $.69
higher at $221.80 and Select is $.96 higher at $208.42.  The Choice/Select spread is $13.38. 

At South Dakota last week, receipts were down significantly on
the year.  Compared to the previous week,
feeder steers were $2 to $6 lower with spots of $7 to $10 lower.  Feeder heifers under 650 pounds were steady
to $2 lower and over 650 pounds were $2 to $5 lower.  There was good demand for light weight and fleshed
cattle suitable for backgrounding, moderate at best for cattle only suitable
for finishing.  Feeder supply included 61
percent steers and 85 percent of the offering was over 600 pounds.  Medium and Large 1 feeder steers 661 to 698
pounds brought $149 to $172.25 and feeder steers 910 to 948 pounds brought
$124.50 to $134.50.  Medium and Large 1
feeder heifers 652 to 699 pounds brought $132.50 to $146.50 and feeder heifers
902 to 847 pounds brought $116.50 to $128.25. 

Cash hogs opened steady with moderate negotiated purchase totals. 

Continue reading Midday cash livestock markets at Brownfield Ag News.