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Banner,Of,A,Group,Of,Angus,Crossbred,Cattle,Closely,Packed
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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.
While feedlot operators went into the week with the leverage to ask for higher bids, it was a surprise to many when negotiated prices were $9 higher by Friday. Packers likely wanted to have product in the pipeline leading up to Mother’s Day and the start of grilling season and are hoping the increased demand leads to higher wholesale prices. The Choice cutout value was $4.14 higher to average $389.03. The increase is not enough to put packers in the black, especially with the higher prices for cattle seen last week. Last week’s estimated harvest of 534,000 head is 5,000 more than the previous week and 29,000 fewer than last year. Harvest totals this week are expected to be lower as cattle supplies continue to tighten. Retail demand for beef remains strong but sales volume and visits to non-fast-food restaurants have slowed. Last week, we shared national highlights from the Annual Livestock Slaughter report. Looking specifically at Wisconsin, cattle harvest for 2025 totaled 1.159 million, which is 65,400 head fewer than 2024, or a 5% drop. Average live weight for cattle harvested in Wisconsin was 1,406 pounds compared to the 1,432-pound national average.
Fed cattle were higher. Top quality beef steers and heifers brought $233-$255/cwt, with a few higher. Mixed Choice and Select steers and heifers ranged from $220-233/cwt. High grading Holstein steers were higher at $200-$230/cwt. Lower grading steers brought $175-$198/cwt. Silage fed and under-finished steers brought $92-$175/cwt. Dairy Beef cross steers were steady to strong at $198-$244, with several lots selling higher. Cows were higher from $115-$154/cwt with some still selling into the 160s. Lower yielding cows brought $70-$115/cwt. Doubtful health and thin cows brought up to $70/cwt. Dairy breed bull calves were steady, selling from $800- $1,800/head with some higher. Dairy breed heifer calves brought $200-$800/head. Beef and Beef Cross calves were mostly steady $800 to $1,950/head. Light and lower quality calves sold up to $60. New crop lambs brought $210-$280 cwt with some to $330/cwt.
