Market News

Monday midday cash livestock markets

Cattle country is quiet on Monday with bids and asking prices not fully established as packers and producers are busy taking inventory. An active trade took place on Wednesday of last week with both live and dressed prices generally steady with the previous week at 164.00 live and 256.00 to 258.00 dressed. Significant trade volume this week will probably not happen until at least midweek.

Boxed beef cutout values were weak to higher in the morning report with the choice up .64 at 249.80, and select was down .11 at 234.67.

Feeder cattle receipts at the Joplin, Missouri Regional Stockyards totaled 5,000 head on Monday. Compared to last week, steer and heifer calves opened steady to 5.00 lower, yearlings were not tested early. The demand was moderate to good and supply was moderate. Feeder steers medium and large 1 averaging 500 to 600 pounds ranged from 250.00 to 257.50. 5 to 6 weight heifers traded from 220.00 to 240.00.

Direct trade hogs are delayed due to computer issues at USDA. Missouri direct base carcass meat price is steady to 1.00 lower at 95.00. Barrows and gilts on a live basis at Midwest markets are steady to 2.00 lower from 70.00 to 80.00.

The continued focus on the potential to build short and long term hog supplies has created additional longer term market pressure. If PED remains under moderate control through the winter season, it is expected the recent building of breeding herds will continue to keep big supplies readily available during most of 2015.