Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
For the week, live prices were $3-$4 lower in the Southern Plains at $137/cwt., steady in Colorado at $145, steady to $5 higher in Nebraska at $145-$150 and $2-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $147-$150. Dressed prices were $4-$8 higher at $234-$238.
Through Thursday, the five-area direct average fed steer price was 77¢ higher on a live basis at $144.50/cwt. The average price in the beef was $5.18 higher at $234.91.
Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 666,000 head was 1,000 head fewer than the previous week but 6,000 head more than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 16.24 million head was 159,000 more than last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 13.45 billion lbs. was 127.10 million lbs. more than the same time last year.
Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 26¢ lower to an average of 16¢ higher.
Choice Boxed beef cutout value was 32¢ higher Friday afternoon at $264.98/cwt. Select was 8¢ higher at $245.02.
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