Market News

Tuesday midday cash livestock markets

There is not a lot of action in cattle country so far on Wednesday. Bids and asking prices are still a little sketchy, but some ready steers and heifers have been priced around 172.00 to 173.00 in the South and 270.00 plus in the North. This week’s cattle slaughter is expected to drop back toward the 560,000 to 565.000 head level. Steer and heifer numbers should remain relatively tight, but cow slaughter should increase seasonally through November.

Boxed beef cutout values were higher in the morning report with the choice beef up 2.49 at 254.05, and select up .96 at 240.06.

Feeder cattle receipts at the Ozark’s Regional Stockyards at West Plains, Missouri totaled 2933 head on Tuesday. Compared to last week the bulk of the feeder steers and heifers traded steady with the exception of 450 to 550 weights which were 5.00 to 10.00 higher. Yearling steers were mostly steady with yearling heifers 5.00 to 10.00 higher. Demand was very good, especially on five weights. The supply was moderate. Feeder steers averaging 524 pounds traded at 275.42 per hundredweight. Heifers weighing 578 pounds brought 242.96.

Barrows and gilts in the Iowa/Minnesota and Western direct trade are not reported due to confidentiality. Eastern markets are 1.73 lower with a weighted average of 84.61 on a carcass basis. Nationally the hog market is down 2.13 at 84.63. Missouri direct base carcass meat price is a 1.00 lower from 78.00 to 82.00. Midwest hogs on a live basis are steady to 2.00 lower from 56.00 to 77.00.

The pork carcass cutout value was 1.10 higher in the morning report at 98.82 FOB plant. Loins were over 6.00 higher.

DTN reports at least one major player in the swine genetic business is reporting significant signs of an expanding U.S. sow herd. Older empty barns are being retrofitted and being refilled. New sow barns are being contemplated.