NATIONAL FEEDER & STOCKER CATTLE SUMMARY – WEEK ENDING 07/12/2025

By USDA-MO Dept of Ag Market News

RECEIPTS: Auctions Direct Video/Internet Total
This Week: 126,800 28,500 343,100 498,400
Last Week: 32,200 48,400 107,700 188,300
Year Ago: 162,100 49,100 450,100 661,300

Compared to last tested markets two weeks ago, steers and heifers in the South Central and North Central areas sold 10.00 to 15.00 higher, while the Southeast was mostly 4.00 to 7.00 higher in the same time period when there were limited offerings last week due to the Independence Day holiday.

Very good demand for all weights of steers and heifers after the holiday week as there were more auctions that hosted a feeder cattle sale this week.

Feeder cattle buyers know that if they want to fill their pens with yearlings they will have to compete very heavily and are willing to chase the market.

The rising cost of yearlings continues to pull up the price of calves which typically do not establish new yearly highs in the middle of summer.

Ranchers are pleased to be able to take those checks from the sale barn recently as ranchers have never taken home a check that large for the number of calves they sold.

Pasture conditions are good as well, allowing for a full, complete grazing season as most years also don't typically have pasture conditions rated this good in the middle of July.

Cash fed cattle were higher, up to 240.00, which is causing cattle feeders to remain very bullish in their outlook for the rest of the year.

The cash market holds a huge, positive basis over the futures contracts as the market fundamentals remain very positive, causing cattle producers to pay little attention to the movements of the futures contracts.

Row crops are receiving ample moisture this summer, keeping feed cost very low which is giving them more incentive to feed cattle.

Negotiated sales of fed cattle in Kansas sold 4.00 to 5.00 higher at 229.00 to 230.00.

In TX/OK/NM, live sales sold 4.00 to 6.00 higher at 228.00 to 230.00.

In Nebraska, live sales were 9.00 to 10.00 higher at 240.00 to 241.00; while dressed sales were 12.00 higher at 380.00.

For the week, Choice Boxed beef closed on Friday at 378.64, 11.11 lower and Select closed at 366.49, 11.95 lower.

Weekly Cattle Slaughter under federal inspection estimated at 568K, 94K more last week and 37K less than a year ago.

Auction volume this week included 52% weighing over 600 lbs and 37% heifers.