Barrows and gilts in the Iowa/Minnesota direct trade opened 2.08 lower at 50.62 on a carcass basis, the West was down 1.95 at 50.45, and the East is up .01 at 49.24. Missouri direct base carcass meat price is steady at 42.00 to 48.00. DTN says processors may be operating closer to the knife than previously thought. It will be interesting to see if they continue to support the country trade in the days ahead. Sow prices remain relatively firm, another sign that herd liquidation is not progressing at a significant pace.

It is a typically slow day in feedlot country. Producers are optimistic following last week’s price hike, sensing that they can score the most significant profits in the weeks ahead since last April. Asking prices are around $88.00 in the South and 137 plus in the North. Boxed beef cutout values are higher at midday with choice up .84 at 141.16, and select up .94 at 135.85.

Feeder cattle receipts at the Oklahoma National Stockyards on Monday totaled 10,200 head. Feeders closed steady following a lower opening. Steer calves were steady to 2.00 lower. Feeder heifers and calves were steady to 2.00 lower. Demand was moderate for feeder cattle as the market was lacking depth. Demand was good for light weight or long weaned calves, light to moderate for unweaned or Brahman cross calves.  Feeder steer calves medium and large 1 weighing 550 to 600 pounds traded at 95.00 to 105.00. Feeder heifers weighing 500 to 600 pounds brought 83.50 to 93.00.

At Sioux Falls on Tuesday, sheep receipts totaled 600 head. Slaughter lambs sold mostly 1.00 to 2.00 higher. Choice and prime shorn lambs traded from 90.50 to 93.25. Wooled offerings brought 90.00 to 92.50.

For updated market information throughout the day tune to your local Brownfield affiliate radio station.