NATIONAL FEEDER & STOCKER CATTLE SUMMARY – WEEK ENDING 02/17/2024
By USDA-MO Dept of Ag Market News
RECEIPTS: Auctions Direct Video/Internet Total
This Week: 247,300 52,700 6,700 306,700
Last Week: 303,000 57,300 57,400 417,700
Year Ago: 198,900 43,000 43,400 285,300
Compared to last week, steers and heifers in the North Central and South Central regions sold steady to 5.00 higher and 5.00 to 10.00 higher in the Southeast. Demand was good. It was noted in Missouri that buyers continue to aggressively try and fill orders before grass arrives. In Nebraska reporters noted cattlemen are just hoping to get back to normal in their herd size as several have had to sell off due to dry conditions over the last few years. In Oklahoma Demand remains good for calves as timely moisture and warm sunshine has pastures in good shape.
The North central regions have had a bit of freeze/thaw which translates to dealing with mud on the cattle but it was noted in South Dakota that pen conditions have improved for the week. Feb CME Live Cattle closed 0.15 higher for the week at 184.775. March Feeder Cattle closed the wee 3.875 higher at 250.025. Live sales of negotiated cash fed cattle trade in the Southern Plains sold 2.00 lower at 180.00. In Nebraska, live sales sold steady to 2.00 lower at 180.00, while the dressed sales sold unevenly steady at 287.00. Choice boxed beef closed the week 2.16 higher at 296.20 while Select was 1.58 higher at 286.66 for the same period.
Weekly Cattle Slaughter under federal inspection estimated at 608K, 14K less than last week and 17K less than a year ago. Auction volume this week included 58% weighing over 600 lbs and 44% heifers.
