NATIONAL FEEDER & STOCKER CATTLE SUMMARY – WEEK ENDING 02/22/2025

By USDA-MO Dept of Ag Market News

RECEIPTS: Auctions Direct Video/Internet Total

This Week: 80,300 11,400 53,400 145,100

Last Week: 150,000 16,300 6,000 172,300

Year Ago: 281,800 40,200 57,900 379,900

Compared to last week, on a light test steers sold unevenly steady 2.00 lower to 2.00 higher, while heifers sold 4.00 to 8.00 lower.

Demand for the feeder steers was strong across all weight classes, despite extreme cold weather. Producers took the opportunity to capitalize on high market prices. Cash fed cattle at 198.00 to 201.00 did not deter cattle feeders from chasing the feeder cattle market higher. Very good demand on replacement weight and quality heifers with spring rapidly approaching.

Cash fed cattle dipped lower toward convergence with the Feb CME Live Cattle contract. Monthly cattle on feed report was released on Friday with no big surprises with placements larger than a year as the last January placements were recorded at a record low due to weather interruptions in contrast to this year in which January movement was very good. Actual number came in at 101.7 which was below the average pre report estimate of 103.00 Marketing’s were reported at 101.4 which was a bit less than expected and on feed numbers were right on at 99 percent of last year. Report was neutral to slightly bullish.

Negotiated sales of slaughter steers and heifers in the Southern Plains sold at 199.00. In Nebraska, live sales were 3.00 to 3.50 lower at 199.50 to 200.00, while dressed sales sold 5.00 to 6.00 lower at 315.00.

For the week, Choice Boxed beef closed on Friday at 310.77, 3.93 lower and Select closed at 302.56, 4.58 lower.

Weekly Cattle Slaughter under federal inspection estimated at 569K, 8K more than last week and 21K less than a year ago.

Auction volume this week included 60% weighing over 600 lbs and 40% heifers.