Producers continue to hold back feeder cattle

Prices remain soft and ranchers continue to hold feeder cattle. There's a similar story happening with slaughter cows, despite prices improving throughout the week.

Ed Czerwien, Market Reporter

April 16, 2020

Feeder cattle numbers continue to decline with 18,100 head at the test auction compared to over 21,000 head last week and over 25,000 head last year. Prices were mostly $1-11 lower but did improve on some, especially if they were thinner and light enough to go to grazing. 

Likewise, there were fewer slaughter cows with only 3,200 head at the test auctions which was down over 1,000 head from the previous week. Prices started to improve and were mostly $5-7 higher, but a few auctions with small numbers were even higher.

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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