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 and Beef
After four weeks of solid gains, the wholesale beef prices lost steam last week. The Choice beef cutout value averaged $319.50 last week, a decrease of $2.83, and showed weakness to open this week. The cutout value is $14.80 higher than this time last year. Negotiated cattle prices were steady to 25 cents lower. Live Cattle futures were lower last week, so the steady to modestly lower cash market was viewed as a positive by many cattle feeders. Auction markets in Wisconsin and surrounding states were calling cattle markets mostly steady this week. Carcass weights are continuing to be heavier compared to any time in the past. The Five-Area Accumulated Average report showed an average carcass weight of beef breed steers harvested last week of 1,004 pounds.
High Choice and Prime Beef
High Choice and Prime beef breed steers were $1 to $2 lower, bringing $180-$189/cwt with some packages to $190/cwt and up. Choice steers and heifers ranged from $165-$180/cwt. Holstein steers were fully $1 lower. High grading steers brought $161-$172 with some higher. Lower grading steers brought $130-$163. Silage fed, under finished or heavy dairy breed steers brought $75-$130/cwt. Dairy x Beef steers were lower, bringing $136-$179 with a few to $185/cwt. Cows were mixed. Most of the cows brought $98-$112/cwt with some to the high $120s/cwt. Lower yielding cows brought $70-$85. Doubtful health and thin cows brought up to $75/cwt. Dairy breed bull calves were lower, selling from $200-$400/head with some heavier, well-managed calves selling to $750/head. Dairy breed heifer calves were higher, bringing $200-500/head with some selling higher. Beef and Beef Cross calves were higher, selling to $1,000/head. Light and lower quality calves sold up to $15.
