Cattle prices in dollars per hundredweight (cwt.) except some replacement animals per pair or head as indicated.

NATIONAL SLAUGHTER CATTLE

(Federal-State Market News)

Oklahoma City-Des Moines

Dec. 28

Compared to Dec. 21: Slaughter cattle lightly tested with a few early sales $1 higher. Demand moderate this holiday shortened week. Dressed sales in Nebraska not established at the time of this report. Boxed beef prices Dec. 28 averaged $186.86 up $1.42 from Dec. 21. The Choice/Select spread is at $13.13. Slaughter cattle on a national basis for negotiated cash trades through Friday noon totaled about 10,500 head. The previous week's total head count was 59,268.

Midwest Direct Markets: Live Basis: Steers and Heifers 35-80 Percent Choice, 1200-1400 lbs. few $127 Dressed Basis: Steers and Heifers: not established

South Plains Direct Markets: Live Basis: Steers and Heifers 35-65 percent Choice, 1100-1400 lbs. few $127

Slaughter Cows and Bulls (Average Yielding Prices): Slaughter cows and bulls not tested as most auctions are closed for the holidays.

USDA's Cutter cow carcass cut-out value Dec. 28 was $161.15 up $.20 from Dec. 21.