light 9-weight M&L 1 steers$251.13/cwt-2.52 vs last sale · ≈ $2,318/hd at 923 lb · 1,315 head
heavy 9-weight M&L 1 steers$240.63/cwt-3.85 vs last sale · ≈ $2,351/hd at 977 lb · 1,000 head
heavy 8-weight M&L 1 steers$257.94/cwt+12.88 vs last sale · ≈ $2,260/hd at 876 lb · 718 head
Receipts
Head
This sale
Last sale
Last year
Total receipts
9,114
12,077
10,167
Feeder cattle
8,410
11,254
9,100
Slaughter cattle
704
823
1,067
Market comments — USDA reporter
Compared to last week: Best comparison for feeder steers were those 900-1050 lbs, 1.00 to 4.00 lower, heifers narrowly compared, lower undertones prevailed. Cash fed cattle managed to maintain their level, up to 198.50, however cattle feeders had too many warning signs to ignore this week and slowed their approach to the feeder market. Cattle futures have been under great pressure, mainly from outside market factors, and this has had an effect on the feeder market at the auction. Cattle feeders have been incredibly bullish as the fed cattle market moved counter-seasonally, but now with the futures dropping off quickly they are suddenly becoming more cautious. Yearlings are starting to be offered off grass, these are the most highly desired cattle as their gains are the best in the feedyard due to their light flesh condition. Very hot weather this last week, yet grazing conditions remain adequate. Slaughter cows steady to 1.00 lower, bulls 2.00 lower.
USDA feeder grades describe frame size and muscle thickness, not quality of
the individual animal. "Medium and Large" is the frame score; the number is
muscle (1 = heaviest muscled). "Medium and Large 1–2" pens mix both muscle
scores — common across the Southeast.
What is $/cwt?
Dollars per hundredweight — per 100 lb of animal. A 500-lb calf at
$450/cwt brings 5 × $450 = $2,250. Lighter cattle usually bring more per
cwt but less per head.
Why are some prices per head?
Bred cows, cow-calf pairs, and some replacement classes sell by the
head, not by weight. We show those exactly as USDA reports them — a
$/head figure is never converted into $/cwt on this site.
Where do these numbers come from?
From the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service's Livestock Market News —
federal reporters at the sale. We publish each report in full and link the
official USDA document at the top of the page.
Cattle Market
Compared to last week: Best comparison for feeder steers were those 900-1050 lbs, 1.00 to 4.00 lower, heifers narrowly compared, lower undertones prevailed. Cash fed cattle managed to maintain their level, up to 198.50, however cattle feeders had too many warning signs to ignore this week and slowed their approach to the feeder market. Cattle futures have been under great pressure, mainly from outside market factors, and this has had an effect on the feeder market at the auction. Cattle feeders have been incredibly bullish as the fed cattle market moved counter-seasonally, but now with the futures dropping off quickly they are suddenly becoming more cautious. Yearlings are starting to be offered off grass, these are the most highly desired cattle as their gains are the best in the feedyard due to their light flesh condition. Very hot weather this last week, yet grazing conditions remain adequate. Slaughter cows steady to 1.00 lower, bulls 2.00 lower.