Negotiated cash fed cattle trade continued $2 less than last week on Thursday at $113/cwt. in the Southern Plains and Nebraska. Although too few to trend there were some early dressed sales in Nebraska at $182, which was $3-$5 less than the previous week.
Cattle futures followed outside markets lower.
Live Cattle futures closed an average of 93¢ lower (40¢ lower to $2.62 lower in spot Apr).
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.87 lower ($1.70 to $2.77 lower).
Wholesale beef values were firm on Choice and weak on Select with light to moderate demand and offerings, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was 43¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $207.25/cwt. Select was 45¢ lower at $201.06.
Carcass weights continue heavier year over year, according to USDA’s latest Actual Slaughter Under Federal Inspection report for the week ending Feb. 22.
The average dressed steer weight was 900 lbs., which was 26 lbs. more the same week a year earlier. The average dressed heifer weight was 13 lbs. more than a year earlier at 831 lbs. Week to week, dressed steer and heifer weights were 5 lbs. and 2 lbs. lighter, respectively.
Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ lower.
Soybean futures closed mostly 8¢ to 10¢ lower.
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