It was a busy week at test auctions with nearly 9,000 more head at test auctions than the week prior. Prices rebounded as well on the prospects of a solid pasture grazing season.

Ed Czerwien, Market Reporter

February 21, 2020

Feeder calves jump higher on spring grazing prospects

There were more feeder cattle coupled with higher prices at test auctions this week. Total volume came in at 31,700 head compared to 23,000 head the previous week. Prices were mostly $1-4 higher on yearlings and $6-9 higher on the calves and thin yearlings as recent rain and snow really improved the wheat pastures and upcoming native grass pasture grazing season. The thin lighter weight yearlings are bringing a big price premium which has always been normal ahead of the Flint Hills grazing season.

Slaughter cow numbers increased some and there was 6,300 head at the test auctions. The prices were steady to $3 higher but there were bigger increases on the bottom end of the price ranges as the prices evened out more between the different regions. Cow meat prices rebounded and jumped higher again.

 

About the Author(s)

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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