Feeder cattle volume drops fast on lower market

The markets are still working to recover after last week's dramatic dip in prices. In turn, feeder cattle stayed home, with volume cut nearly in half week over week.

Ed Czerwien, Market Reporter

March 6, 2020

Feeder cattle numbers dropped dramatically this week on the heels of big price declines. There was 17,600 head at the test auctions which was down from 41,000 head the previous week. The prices continued to decline and were mostly $1-3 lower, but did firm up a little at some auctions, but not enough to push the weekly prices higher in most weight groups.

Slaughter cow numbers dropped lower and were 5,300 head at test auctions, compared to 6500 head the previous week. Slaughter cow prices firmed up some and were mostly steady to $2 higher with those lower cow numbers, as well as the cow meat prices that were close to steady after dropping lower recently.

About the Author

Ed Czerwien

Market Reporter

Ed Czerwien is a market analyst in Amarillo, Texas. From the heart of Cattle Feeding Country, Ed follows the cattle and wholesale markets to keep beef producers up-to-date on the market moves that affect them. He previously worked with USDA as a Market News reporter. Ed is now semi-retired and continues to work with cattle trade analysis.

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