NATIONAL FEEDER & STOCKER CATTLE SUMMARY – WEEK ENDING 03/09/2024

By USDA-MO Dept of Ag Market News

RECEIPTS: Auctions Direct Video/Internet Total

This Week: 213,400 35,200 57,600 306,200

Last Week: 227,500 46,200 6,200 279,900

Year Ago: 205,100 49,400 5,000 259,500

Compared to last week, Feeder Steers and Heifers sold 2.00 to 4.00 higher.

Demand was reported as good to very good. Above average temperatures in most regions remain in the forecast, allowing cattle to stay comfortable and gain easily.

Cow/calf producers are starting to calve and have been selling last year’s calves as they need room to bring cows into calve.

CME positions are higher as the year progresses making light calves a value to buyers.

The March closed at 249.20 on Friday, 3.775 lower for the week.

The April contract closed at 254.10, 3.90 lower for the week.

Live sales of negotiated cash fed cattle trade in the Southern Plains sold 2.00 higher at 185.00.

In Nebraska, live sales sold .50 to 2.00 higher at 185.00, while the dressed sales sold 2.00 to 8.00 higher from 292.00 to 300.00.

Choice boxed beef closed the week 1.76 higher at 307.04 while Select was 1.69 higher at 297.43 for the same period.

Weekly Cattle Slaughter under federal inspection estimated at 583K, 16K less than last week and 48K less than a year ago.

Auction volume this week included 57% weighing over 600 lbs and 45% heifers.