At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live cattle were higher, supported by the stronger cash business on Thursday. Feeders were mostly lower, pressured by the mostly higher move in corn.
The holdout paid off for sellers as direct cash cattle trade finally got underway late in the day Friday. Deals in the South were marked at $160 to $161 live, $1 to $2 higher than the previous week’s business. Thursday’s dressed business in the North was at $254, $4 above the prior week’s weighted averages basis in Nebraska.
At the Mobridge Livestock Market in South Dakota, there were few comparisons available for an accurate price trend. The UDSA says demand was good to very good for the day’s large offering which featured many packages and loads, as well as a couple of strings of both backgrounded and home-raised cattle. Green cattle that can fit grass programs continue to see strong demand. There were also a few packages and loads of replacement quality heifers that were met with very good demand. Flesh condition varied, from light to some heavy at times. The market was active, and supported by a variety of bidders. Receipts were up from two weeks ago, but down on the year. Feeder supply included 77% steers and 80% of the offering was over 600 pounds. Medium and Large 1 feeder steers 755 to 795 pounds brought $183.50 to $195 and feeder steers 850 to 890 pounds brought $180 to $186. Medium and Large 1 feeder heifers 625 to 645 pounds brought $200 to $201.50 and feeder heifers 655 to 690 pounds brought $177 to $192.50.
According to the USDA’s hay report for Missouri, the supply is light and demand is moderate. Prices are fully steady. The USDA says there’s still a fair amount of hay moving throughout the state. Alfalfa, supreme, medium squares brought $250 to $300. Alfalfa, supreme, small squares brought $10 to $15. Alfalfa, premium, medium squares brought $180 to $250. Alfalfa, good, large rounds brought $150 to $180. Alfalfa, good, small squares brought $5 to $9. Alfalfa, fair, large rounds, brought $125 to $150. Alfalfa/grass mix, good/premium, small squares brought $5 to $9. Mixed grass, good/premium, large rounds brought $125 to $175. Corn stalks, round bales, brought $35 to $55.
Boxed beef closed higher on solid demand for moderate offerings.
