Market News

Midday cash livestock markets

USDA Mandatory reported cattle trading was limited on light to moderate demand in the Southern Plains and Nebraska on Wednesday. Live sales in the Texas Panhandle from 103.00 to 104.50. Kansas and Nebraska had a few early live sales from 103.00 to 105.00. On Thursday live bids are from 102.00 to 103.00. Asking prices range from 105.00 to 106.00 live and 165.00 plus dressed. Cattle futures were trading higher in the morning with the October live contract pushing over $104.00 for the first time since late September.

Choice boxed beef in the morning report is down .78 at 181.53, select 168.53, up .08.

Feeder cattle receipts at the St. Joseph, Missouri Stockyards totaled 1,443 head on Wednesday. Steer and heifer calves sold 10.00 to 13.00 higher than last week with instances of 15.00 higher. Yearling steers and heifers were lightly tested last week, so there is no comparison, however a higher undertone was noted. The trade was active with good demand. The run consisted mostly of good quality black calves and yearlings of good conditioning. Feeder steers medium and large 1 averaging 571 pounds traded at 133.89 per hundredweight. 681 pound heifers averaged 126.36.

The Huss Platte Valley Nebraska Auction sold 2430 feeder cattle on Wednesday. Compared to last week, steers and heifers sold steady to 5.00 higher. The demand was good from start to finish with internet activity noted, Feeder steers medium and large 1 calves weighing 628 pounds traded at 127.37 per hundredweight. Heifer caves averaging 626 pounds brought 119.52.

The Sioux Falls regional Livestock at Worthing, South Dakota had 1251 head of slaughter cattle on Wednesday. Slaughter steers sold 3.00 to 5.00 higher, heifers were 2.00 to 4.00 higher. Holstein steers were 2.00 higher. The demand was good, with many packer buyers actively seeking to purchase cattle. Choice 2-3 slaughter steers traded from 100.00 to 102.25. Choice Holstein steers 83.00 to 85.50. Choice 2-4 heifers from 97.50 to 101.60.

At Kalona Iowa sheep receipts totaled 364 head. There was no official trend as the sale had not been reported for the last two weeks. The trade was active and demand was good. Slaughter lambs wooled choice and prime 2-3 weighing 118 pounds averaged 138.73 per hundredweight. Feeder lambs medium and large 1-2 weighing 82 pounds brought 171.63 per hundredweight. There were 304 goats in the run. Trade was active with very good demand. Slaughter kids selection 1 weighing 58 pounds averaged 128.29 per head.

Barrows and gilts in the Iowa/Minnesota direct trade are up .23 at 45.23 weighted average on a carcass basis, the West is .09 lower at 44.90, and nationally the market is .59 lower at 44.22. Missouri direct base carcass meat price is steady 35.00 to 39.00. Midwest hogs on a live basis are steady to 6.00 higher from 25.00 to 36.00.

The pork carcass cutout value is .02 higher at 73.10 FOB plant.

For the week ending October 22, Iowa barrows and gilts averaged 281.8 pounds, .4 pounds heavier than the previous week, and .4 pounds lighter than 2015.