Feeder cattle prices at selected Texas auctions were $5 lower to $2 higher per hundredweight with light receipts at most Panhandle locations because of the cold weather and snow. Texas direct feeder cattle sales were $2 lower to $3 higher, while Oklahoma City was $3 lower to $3 higher. Market fundamentals remain unchanged with tight supplies and continued good beef demand, for both export and domestic consumption. However, lower beef exports last week, lower beef prices and lower feeder cattle futures created some uncertainty, and the first winter storm of the season reminded buyers of the potential health issues with young, short-weaned calves. Fed cattle prices were lower following the decline in wholesale beef values. Cotton and grain prices were lower amid ongoing concerns about the European debt crisis, weak export demand and competition from cheaper foreign grain. Net export sales for cotton were negative as China exited the markets and cancellations more than offset new purchases. USDA raised its projections for global corn production and lowered its wheat exports estimate, which contributed to the declines in grain prices. As for futures markets, feeder cattle, fed cattle, cotton, wheat and corn were lower while lumber was higher. Most of the state recorded rainfall during the week with heaviest amounts generally east of a line from Del Rio to Wichita Falls. Crop progress and crop condition information are not available, as USDA has discontinued its weekly reports until after the first of the year.
All cash prices above are market averages for locations covered by the USDA Market News program and do not reflect any particular sale at any specific location. Feeder cattle prices are for 500-600 pound medium and large No.1 steers at the Oklahoma City National Stockyards. Futures prices are quoted for the nearest month contract on the last trading day of the week. For additional information, contact TDA at (800) 835-5832 or visit our website, http://www.texasagriculture.gov/ .
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