Monday markets
The livestock and grains markets were closed today for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
Cash trade for the day totaled less than 200 head. On the formula side, a total of 35,300 head averaging 918 lbs. averaged $321.84.
“Frigid temperatures will be the feature focus for most feeding operations,” wrote the Cattle Report. “Cattle owners will keep the attention on the cattle and be less concerned about marketing to start the week. Some were reminded of January past when snow and wind troubled feeding operations and cattle performance.”
Cash trade for the week ending Jan. 19 totaled 80,956 head. Live steers averaged $203.72, and dressed steers averaged $322.01.
Slaughter for the day is projected at 115,000 head, compared to 117,000 head last week. Total slaughter for last week is estimated at 603,000 head.
Boxed beef prices were lower on 100 loads. The Choice cutout lost 53 cents to close at $333.16, and the Select cutout lost 39 cents to close at $319.44.
Feeder cattle
Missouri: Joplin Regional Stockyards in Carthage sold 13,000 head on Monday. Compared to a week earlier, feeder steers sold steady with feeder heifers selling from $2 lower to $6 higher. Benchmark steers averaging 770 lbs. sold from $264-276.50, averaging $269.03.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma National Stockyards in Oklahoma City sold 7,500 head on Monday. Compared to a week earlier, feeder steers over 700 lbs. sold $2-4 lower and under 700 lbs. sold $104 higher. Feeder heifers sold $3-7 lower. Steer calves sold steady to $4 higher. Heifer calves sold $2-7 higher. Benchmark steers averaging 770 lbs. sold from $262-273, averaging $270.31. — Anna Miller, WLJ managing editor
