Week ending Aug. 16, 2024

Fed cattle in the north and south were lower compared to last week, as were feeders and stockers. Live cattle and feeder cattle futures were down with dressed beef up.

Fed cattle in the south was $1 lower at $185 while fed cattle in the north was $3 lower at 190.00. Carcass weights averaged 923 lb. which is 2 lb. higher than last week. The feeder steer average was $1.66 lower at $256.55 with trade mostly $2 higher to $6 lower. Stocker steers averaged $304.53—$3.12 lower than last week. The feeder cattle index for CME was $246.71, which was $3 lower.

The Choice cutout was $4.74 higher at $317.45 and the Select cutout was $4 higher at $302.59. This made the spread $14.86, which was $0.74 wider. Cutter cows were $1.21 higher at $294.34. Slaughter cows traded for $1 lower to $4 higher. Total red meat production was 2,308.6 million lb. of beef. Corn was lower at $3.92.