Week ending March 1, 2024

Southern trade remained steady while northern markets were slightly higher for fed cattle. Southern cattle remained at $183, with northern cattle selling $0.50 higher at $183.50. The feeder cattle national average for steers was $251.35 — $2.06 higher from last week, with trade steady to $4 higher. Stocker calves averaged $312.22 — $2.13 higher from previous week.

The Choice cutout was $4.67 higher at $305.28. The Select cutout was $9.43 higher at $295.74, making the Choice/Select spread at $9.54 — $4.76 narrower than last week.

Estimated red meat production was 1051.5 million lb., which was 0.2% lower than the last week and 1.2% lower compared to a year ago.