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

Oct. 5

Compared to Sept. 28: Slaughter cattle sold mostly $1 higher. Dressed sales in Nebraska traded steady to $1 higher. Packer demand moderate as they hope to make purchases at no more than steady money. Limited numbers of available cattle helping the feedyards to advance asking prices.

Boxed beef prices Oct. 5 averaged $183.41 up $.38 from Sept. 28. The Choice/Select spread is at $14.41. Slaughter cattle on a national basis for negotiated cash trades through early Oct. 5 totaled about 94,653. Last week's total head count was 74,206.

Midwest Direct Markets: Live Basis: Steers and Heifers 35-80 Percent Choice, 1200-1400 lbs. $124 Dressed Basis: Steers and Heifers: $190-192, mostly $190

South Plains Direct Markets: Live Basis: Steers and Heifers 35-65 percent Choice, 1100-1400 lbs. $124

Slaughter Cows and Bulls (Average Yielding Prices): Slaughter cows and bulls mostly steady.

USDA's Cutter cow carcass cut-out value Oct. 5 was $159.01 down $1.79 from Sept. 28.

NATIONAL FEEDER AND STOCKER CATTLE

(Federal-State Market News)

St. Joseph, Mo.

Oct. 5

This week Last week Last year

274,300 327,800 302,000

Compared to Sept. 28, steer and heifer calf prices were very uneven and posted huge trend swings just within the single week's trading session. True yearling feeder cattle were not well tested across most of the country as supplies are nearly exhausted, but available trends were mostly steady to weak with the best test in the northern Plains on heavier backgrounded loads. Early week calf trends were largely weak to as much as $10 lower especially on lightweights under 500 lbs, with the exception of the Oklahoma National Stockyards which quoted calves $2-4 higher. However, demand improved as the week progressed, perhaps as news surfaced that calves were selling at bargain prices earlier. Stocker and feeder calf buyers are a long way from filling their needs, but many just wanted to slow the procurement down for a while. More consistently cool temperatures are desired to help alleviate health risks and undue stress on new purchases.

There is still much uncertainty about the size of this year's calf run that has yet to be sold. Most agree that offerings will be smaller than usual, but argue as to what extent and whether the marketing will be more spread out. Answers will be found in the next few weeks and many of the delays that have been holding calf demand at bay will transpire. Soon, salebarn receipts will be at their peak as buyers and sellers meet up amid the familiar sounds of smells of the fall run. Bawling calves being hollered into the ring as the auctioneer cries and bid spotters yip in a fog of dust, ammonia, and cigarette smoke. This was the scene at Philip, S.D., on Oct. 2 with a higher market as a 100 head string of fancy steers weighing 490 lbs. brought $190 and a similar lot of 435 lb. heifers sold for $181. Fed cattle gained $1 this week as short-bought packers became active on Oct. 4 at mostly $124. Meanwhile, feed shortages have mainstream media outlets concerned that pork shortages may threaten the bacon cheeseburger, but so far no such fears about the burger itself. This week's reported auction volume had 39 percent over 600 lbs. and 39 percent heifers.

AUCTIONS

This week Last week Last year

227,600 233,800 243,000

WASHINGTON 4,400. 56 pct over 600 lbs. 46 pct heifers. Steers: Medium and Large 1-2 400-450 lbs. $169.01; 500-550 lbs. $153.84; 550-600 lbs. $148.32; 600-650 lbs. $151.36; 650-700 lbs. $152.01; 700-750 lbs. $142.19; 750-800 lbs. $142.42; 800-850 lbs. $134.79. Heifers: Medium and Large 1-2 350-400 lbs. $152.81; 400-450 lbs. $150.06; 450-500 lbs. $146.96; 500-550 lbs. $144.97; 550-600 lbs. $144.97; 600-650 lbs. $138.83; 650-700 lbs. $132.12; 700-750 lbs. $117.79; 750-800 lbs. $127.25.

DIRECT

This week Last week Last year

37,900 34,400 38,600

SOUTHWEST (Arizona-California-Nevada) 8,100. No cattle over 600 lbs. No heifers. Holsteins: Large 3 January 275 lbs. $150-153 del.; February 300 lbs. $140-148 Del.

NORTHWEST (Washington-Oregon-Idaho) 1,300. 61 pct over 600 lbs. 57 pct heifers. Steers: Medium and Large 1-2 Current FOB 650 lbs. $145 Washington; 600 lbs. $145.50 calves for October-November Idaho; 650-700 lbs. $156 value added calves for October-November Idaho. Heifers: Medium and Large 1-2 Current FOB 450-500 lbs. $132 Washington; 800-850 lbs. $131 Idaho.

NORTHWEST DIRECT CATTLE

(USDA Market News)

Moses Lake, Wash.

Oct. 5

This week Last week Last year

1,250 1,100 1,500

Compared to Sept. 28, not enough Stocker or feeder cattle reported this week for accurate trends. Trade slow as most local sale barns are having special calf sales. Demand remains good for calves and light demand for yearlings. Most yearlings are cleaned up anyway. The feeder supply included 43 percent steers and 57 percent heifers. Near 61 percent of the supply weighed over 600 lbs. Prices are FOB weighing point with a 1-4 percent shrink or equivalent and with a 5-10 cent slide on calves and a 3-6 cent slide on yearlings.

Steers: Medium and Large 1-2: Current FOB Price: 650 lbs. $145 Washington. Future Delivery FOB Price: 600 lbs. $145.50 calves for October-November Idaho; 650-700 lbs. $156 value added calves for October-November Idaho.

Heifers: Medium and Large 1-2: Current FOB Price: 450-500 lbs. $132 Washington; 800- 850 lbs. $131 Idaho.