USDA Daily Slaughter Cattle Summary

Here we pull out the key takeaways from the slaughter cattle summary reports published daily by the USDA.

The cattle market has been full of ups and downs, making it an interesting time for ranchers to keep an eye on daily price movements. While feeder cattle prices are feeling the pressure, slaughter cattle prices have remained mostly steady. For those looking to buy, sell, or manage their herds, understanding these shifts is crucial. Let’s take a closer look at today’s market data from key states and what it could mean moving forward.

Daily Feeder Cattle Prices: Regional Breakdown

Across the country, feeder cattle prices are showing some regional differences, with lighter-weight cattle seeing the steepest price declines. Here’s how things are shaping up today:

Steer Prices

• Florida: Lightweight steers (200-245 lbs) brought in anywhere from $440 to $525 per cwt, while mid-weight steers (300-345 lbs) averaged $435 per cwt.

• Georgia: Steers weighing between 500-546 lbs ranged from $295 to $330 per cwt, with an average of $324.94.

• Mississippi: 255-290 lb steers sold for $390-$460 per cwt, while 500-540 lb steers averaged $310.75 per cwt.

• South Carolina: With limited supply, 400-500 lb feeder steers went for $327.50-$330.00 per cwt.

Heifer Prices

• Florida: 200-245 lb heifers averaged $456 per cwt.

• Georgia: 500-545 lb heifers sold between $257-$289 per cwt.

• Mississippi: 260-295 lb heifers brought in $318-$355 per cwt.

Daily Slaughter Cattle Prices: A Steady Market

While feeder cattle prices have struggled, slaughter cattle prices have remained relatively stable, with some regions even seeing slight increases. Here’s today’s latest:

Live Cattle Prices

• Texas-Oklahoma-New Mexico: Live steers averaged $205.86 per cwt.

• Iowa-Minnesota: Dressed steers came in at $326.13 per cwt.

• Nebraska: Live steers averaged $208 per cwt, while dressed steers were at $328 per cwt.

Cow and Bull Prices

• Florida: Breaker cows (75-80% lean) ranged from $136-$151 per cwt.

• Georgia: Boner cows (80-85% lean) averaged $137 per cwt.

• Mississippi: Slaughter bulls sold between $165-$175 per cwt.

Looking Ahead

The big takeaway from today’s market trends is that feeder cattle prices are under pressure, especially for the lighter-weight animals, while slaughter cattle prices are holding firm or seeing slight gains. With overall cattle supply declining, prices may see some upward movement in the coming days.

For ranchers, this means it’s a good time to stay informed and consider how these daily trends might impact buying or selling decisions. Whether you’re looking to move cattle now or hold off for better prices, keeping an eye on the market every day will be key.