For the week ending Jan. 4, 2013, feeder cattle prices reported by Texas auctions were mostly steady to $4 higher per hundredweight (cwt) compared to pre-holiday sales. Texas direct feeder cattle sales were firm to $1 higher. The Oklahoma City National Stockyards were closed last week for the New Year’s holiday. Fed cattle cash prices were $1 higher per cwt and beef prices were higher. Cotton, grain sorghum, wheat and corn prices were lower compared to pre-holiday levels. As for futures markets, feeder cattle, fed cattle and lumber were higher, but cotton, wheat and corn were lower. Parts of South and East Texas recorded a half-inch or more of rain during the week with the heaviest accumulations along the Upper Coast and in the southeastern corner of the state. Crop progress and condition information are not available as the weekly USDA NASS crop progress report has been suspended for the season. It is scheduled to resume on Feb. 19.
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. MBF = thousand board feet. For additional information, contact TDA at (800) 835-5832 or visit our website, www.TexasAgriculture.gov.
