Week ending Aug. 30, 2024

Fed cattle trade declined in both the Northern and Southern Plains, along with feeder cattle and stocker calves. However, live cattle and feeder cattle futures mostly increased. Dressed beef prices dropped, while corn prices rose.

Fed cattle trade in the south was $183 with northern trade at $184. Live cattle futures closed this week with gains ranging from $1.98 to $2.90. Carcass weights averaged 931 lb. compared to 925 lb. the previous week.

Feeder steers averaged $248.95, a decrease of $2.28, with prices mostly ranging from $4 lower to $1 higher. Stocker cattle averaged $293.45, down $3.68, with trade varying from $8 lower to $3 higher.

Feeder cattle index was $242.95, $1.25 higher than the week before. The Choice cutout dropped by $8 to $309.34, while the Select cutout decreased by $4.64 to $295.82, narrowing the Choice/Select spread to $13.52, narrower by $3.36. The cutter cow market fell by $0.66 to $294.18. Slaughter cow trade closed the week between $6 lower and $2 higher.