Feeder cattle prices at the Texas locations covered by USDA Market News were higher compared to pre-holiday sales as buyers caught up with orders and demand remained strong for the tight supply of available cattle. Fed cattle cash prices were nearly $1 lower per hundredweight as negative packer margins and lower beef prices continued to pressure the market. Prices across the cattle sector remain well above where they were at this time last year. Cotton prices were higher on indications that U.S. growers will plant fewer acres in 2012 and on steps taken by Pakistan to support their prices. Cash grain prices declined because of more favorable weather in South America, a stronger dollar and competition from cheaper foreign grain. As for futures markets, feeder cattle, cotton and lumber were higher, while fed cattle, wheat and corn were lower. Rainfall during the week was limited to areas along the Gulf Coast and in parts of Southeast Texas with the rest of the state recording little or no precipitation. Cotton harvest was nearing completion on the High Plains. Winter wheat development was slightly behind normal with 90 percent of the crop emerged compared to 93 percent on average by this date. Wheat was rated in mostly fair to poor condition. Recent rains and warm temperatures have benefited cool-season grasses, but overall, pastures remain in mostly poor to very poor condition.
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