Friday markets
With the holiday weekend, the markets were fairly quiet today.
The futures market was closed on account of the holiday.
Cash trade was minimal today, with only 554 head sold. There was not a trend for live steers, but dressed steers sold for $226. Cash trade for the week is estimated at about 96,000 head. On the formula side, a total of 26,400 head averaging 848 lbs. sold today for an average of $220.16.
Slaughter for the day is estimated at 114,000 head, a few head short due to the Good Friday holiday. Tomorrow’s slaughter is projected to be a limited 22,000 head ahead of Easter, bringing the week’s total to about 634,000 head. In contrast, last week’s total slaughter is estimated at 671,000 head.
Boxed beef prices were higher on 77 loads. The Choice cutout gained 76 cents to close at $272, and the Select cutout lost 81 cents to close at $258.90.
Feeder cattle
The CME Feeder Cattle Index was unchanged today at $155.95.
Kansas: Winter Livestock in Pratt sold 4,663 head yesterday. Compared to last week, feeder steers 875-1,000 lbs. sold $3-4 higher, and 775-875 lbs. sold steady to $4 lower. Yearling steers 675-775 lbs. sold unevenly steady. Yearling heifers 600-900 lbs. sold steady to $2 higher. — Anna Miller, WLJ managing editor
