NATIONAL FEEDER & STOCKER CATTLE SUMMARY – WEEK ENDING 10/04/2025
By USDA-MO Dept of Ag Market News
RECEIPTS: Auctions Direct Video/Internet Total
This Week: 181,200 20,700 26,800 228,700
Last Week: 169,700 36,100 2,500 208,300
Year Ago: 179,400 38,400 24,300 242,100
Compared to last week, steers and heifers sold mostly steady to 5.00 lower.
That isn't to say there weren't any instances of higher spots, especially on some loads of yearlings but overall, the market was undoubtedly lower.
There was pressure on the market as cash fat cattle in the north slipped to around 230.00. Moderate to good demand for spring born calves, farmer feeders are busy in the field with fall harvest, and most aren't wanting a calf yet.
Cattle feeders have greatly curbed their enthusiasm for getting feeder cattle bought, they are now approaching the market much more cautiously.
Fall temperature swings make it hard to keep even the best calves with all the proper vaccination and weaning programs and healthy weight on prices this time of year.
Buyers are looking for calves with precondition shots, especially a respiratory shot.
Calves without a fall vaccination program is taking a hit at the auction and selling several dollars per cwt less than fully vaccinated calves.
This is an every year occurrence and buyers must be realistic and factor in those risks regardless of overall tight supplies.
In Nebraska, Crawford Livestock Market hit some all-time new market highs in several weight classes on Friday with a notable trade of 814 lb spring born calves at 401.00.
Plus, other auctions across that state are setting new highs weekly as the auctioneer gravels drops on many weight classes.
Packers bid lower as the boxed beef market continues to quickly drop, retreating around 60.00 in the last month.
Negotiated sales of fed cattle in TX/OK/NM sold 4.00 lower at 233.00. In Kansas, cash sales sold 3.00 to 4.00 lower at 232.00 to 233.00, mostly 233.00.
In Nebraska, live sales were 2.00 to 5.00 lower at 230; while dressed sales were 5.00 lower at 360.00.
For the week, Choice Boxed beef closed on Friday at 362.27, 9.16 lower and Select closed at 345.38, 7.06 lower.
Weekly Cattle Slaughter under federal inspection estimated at 557K, 2K more than last week and 55K less than a year ago.
Auction volume this week included 50 percent weighing over 600 lbs and 39 percent heifers.
