MARKET COMMENTARY:

The reality of the grain markets has hit our feeder trade. I think back in 2011-2013 as the corn started trending pretty high the cattle started heading right up with it. Several things are different today. A big one is Country of Origin labeling. Packers didn’t have it their way back then. Nowadays, thanks to big help from N.C.B.A., M-COOL is repealed and packers can continue to import more & artificially keep prices low. Please keep the pressure on our congressional leaders & maybe we can get something done on this & other pressing issues.

Fed Cattle/Weigh Cows Tuesday, Jan 5th:

We had a really nice run of fed cattle on a market that was $1 higher. Weigh cows lost some ground from the much higher trade during the holidays. Competition in the fed cattle sector is so important. Auction marketing is a vital tool in that process.
Fat Cattle (347 head):
Str. Top - $111
Str. Choice - $107-$111
Str. Select/Choice - $103-$106
2-Ways - $no test
Hfr. Top - $110.60
Hfr. Choice - $107- $110.60
Hfr. Select/Choice - $103-$106
2-Ways - $no test
Choice Holsteins - $no test
Select Holsteins - $no test
Fat Hfrts. - $85-$95
Weigh Cows 302 head):  
Fed Cows: $60-$70
Bulk Cows: $47-$54
Low Yield: $30-45
High Yielding Bulls: $82-$87
Bulk of Bulls: $74-$81
Cutting Bulls: $no test
Preg open hfrs: $95-$105
Hfrts: $70-$85

Bred Female/Pairs Auction Tuesday December 29th:

Our holiday cow sale featured near 500 bred females. Despite cruddy weather several buyers showed up & additionally we had strong internet buyer activity. Majority of 1st calf Hfrs $1600-$1825, Young cows $1450-$1750, Med age cows $1100-$1350.

Feeder Cattle Auction: Tues, Jan 5th & Fri, Jan 8th:

We sold 4600 feeders this week over 2 auctions. The market is under pressure from the grains and honestly a fed cattle market that’s been un-inspiring. Here are some actual sales from last week.
7   Strs 434# @ $183.50
24 Strs 563# @ $166.00
60 Strs 607# @ $156.25
19 Strs 705# @ $146.00
62 Strs 803# @ $139.00
263 Strs 835# @ $135.75
29 Strs 961# @ $125.00
15 Hfrs 436# @ $163.00
16 Hfrs 506# @ $150.00
12 Hfrs 538# @ $148.00
34 Hfrs 609# @ $141.25
86 Hfrs 768# @ $137.25
64 Hfrs 816# @ $128.25
35 Hfrs 877# @ $126.00