NATIONAL FEEDER & STOCKER CATTLE SUMMARY – WEEK ENDING 03/15/2025

By USDA-MO Dept of Ag Market News

RECEIPTS: Auctions Direct

Video/Internet Total

This Week: 223,400 52,800

15,200 291,400

Last Week: 219,200 28,400

24,200 271,800

Year Ago: 200,600 33,700 3,300 237,600

Compared to last week, Feeder Steers and Heifers sold 3.00 to 10.00 higher with some instances of 12.00 to 17.00 higher in the Southeast region.

Demand was moderate to good. Markets moved back to record levels for most classes of cattle this week. The CME feeder cattle index established a new record high, breeding stock found good demand as did slaughter animals. Regardless of where a producer might fall in the production arena current price levels are very satisfying if you are on the selling end.

In Montana Demand for grass cattle continues to be very strong.

Missouri reporters noted wind and tornado damage in various parts of the state. Also, transitional weather with small amounts of snow on the ground in the north and quickly becoming warm and sunny as the week progressed.

In Kansas crazy weather extremes have many scratching their heads as they attempt to fertilize brome and alfalfa.

In Texas reporters also noted high winds with sustained winds from 35-50 mph with gusts ranging from 60-80 mph. Many of these winds coming to Oklahoma dropped humidity to desert like lows. Oklahoma saw very good demand for all classes of cattle.

Negotiated sales of slaughter steers and heifers in the Southern Plains traded 5.00 to 6.00 higher at 202.00 to 203.00.

In Nebraska, live sales were 4.00 to 6.00 higher at 206.00, and dressed sales sold 8.00 to 10.00 higher at 325.00.

For the week, Choice Boxed beef closed on Friday at 318.27, 3.37 higher and Select closed at 306.32, 0.52 higher.

Weekly Cattle Slaughter under federal inspection estimated at 587K, 9K higher than last week and 10K less than a year ago.

Auction volume this week included 59% weighing over 600 lbs and 44% heifers.