Prepared and written by Jeff Swenson, DATCP Livestock and Meat Specialist. The Market Update draws information from several sources, including trade publications, radio broadcasts, agricultural news services, individuals involved in the industry as well as USDA NASS and AMS reports.
Cattle
Cash cattle were called $1.60/cwt higher last week. More attention was being paid to cattle care than marketing this week as cattle feeding regions were experiencing cold temperatures. The rally in cash cattle continued, partly because of lighter auction market runs due to the temperatures. The weather will slow down gains during a time when live weights are averaging 57 pounds heavier than a year ago. Estimated harvest was 603,000 head, 14,000 more than the previous week and 2,000 fewer than a year ago. Of the total, 49.3% were steers and 32.7% were heifers. Non-fed harvest continues to make up a lower percentage of the total at just 18%. That decline has increased the need for lean trimmings. The November 2024 livestock and meat trade data showed beef imports were 39% higher in November than the previous year and 24% higher for the first 11 months of 2024. The average retail price of beef in December was $8.08/pound compared to $8.01 during December 2023 and 41 cents higher than the 2023 average. Wholesale prices have climbed each of the past six weeks. The Choice beef cutout averaged $333.51 last week, gaining $4.49.
High Choice and Prime Beef
Prices were strong at Wisconsin and surrounding state auction markets, a result of bitter cold temperatures that limited the number of cattle offered. High Choice and Prime beef breed steers brought $194-$208/cwt with some packages selling from $209-$216/cwt. Choice steers and heifers ranged from $188-$194/cwt. Holstein steers were higher. High grading steers brought $170-$178, with reports of some packages topping $185/cwt. Lower grading steers brought $145-$170. Silage-fed, under-finished or heavy dairy breed steers brought $78-$144/cwt. Dairy x Beef steers were higher, bringing $150-$198 with some to $202/cwt. Cows were higher. Most of the cows brought $95-$123/cwt with some to the mid $130s and a few beef breed cows higher. Lower yielding cows brought $65-$94/cwt. Doubtful health and thin cows brought up to $65/cwt. Dairy breed bull calves were steady, selling from $200-$500/head with some heavier, well-managed calves selling to $750/head. Dairy breed heifer calves were steady, bringing $200-500/head. Beef and Beef Cross calves were steady, selling to $1,000/head. Light and lower quality calves sold up to $15.
