At the Chicago

Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle futures were supported by follow-through

and technical buying.  August live cattle

closed $2.10 higher at $99.30 and October live cattle are $2 higher at

$102.67.  August feeder cattle closed

$1.80 higher at $134.87 and September feeder cattle closed $1.82 higher at

$135.85.   

Another round of light direct cash cattle trade took place on Thursday.  Deals were generally steady with the bulk of the week’s business.  For the week, Southern live trade had a full range of $91 to $96, mostly $94 to $95, while Northern dressed business ranged from $148 to $155, mostly $153 to $155. 

At the OKC West Livestock Auction, compared to last week feeder steers 600 to 750 pounds were steady to $4 higher and over 750 pounds were steady to $2 lower.  Feeder heifers were $1 to $3 lower.  The USDA says demand was moderate to good for feeder cattle.  Steer calves were steady to $3 higher and heifer calves were $3 to $8 higher.  Demand was very good for all calves.  Quality was plain through attractive.  Receipts were up from the most recent sale.  Feeder supply included 62 percent steers and 85 percent of the offering was over 600 pounds.  Medium and Large 1 feeder steers 663 to 696 pounds brought $137 to $145 and feeder heifers 770 to 798 pounds brought $127 to $135.50.  Medium and Large 1 feeder heifers 651 to 697 pounds brought $124 to $133 and feeder heifers 700 to 748 pounds brought $118 to $127.50. 

Boxed beef closed steady to firm on moderate demand for moderate offerings. 

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