Daily Market Summary for April 19th

Updated Monday thru Friday around 4:00 PM CT

See Entire Summary Below

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10-Day & 60-Day Market Trendlines Indicators of cattle/beef market strength 10-Day Market Trendline Change from Previous Day: +0.60% Change from 10 Days Ago: +3.49% Change from 60 Days Ago: +7.26%​     60-Day Market Trendline Trendlines track daily market values for the past 10 & 60 days. Each daily value is the weighted total of the Gain/(Loss) for 12 market factors compared to the previous trading day.

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Daily Market Summary for April 19th

Most markets were closed for Good Friday

April Cattle on Feed Report: Cattle on Feed & Placements Up; Marketings Down

 Slaughter Cattle:  

As of 3:00 PM Friday, negotiated cash trade was limited on moderate demand in Nebraska and the Western Cornbelt, however not enough purchases in those regions for an adequate market test. The latest established market in Nebraska was on Thursday with live and dressed purchases at 130.00 and 208.00 respectively. On Thursday in the Wester Cornbelt, live purchases traded from 130.00- 131.00, bulk at 130.00 with dressed purchases at 208.00. Trade in the Southern Plains was inactive on light demand on Friday. The latest established market in the Southern Plains was on Wednesday, with live purchases at 126.00.

Negotiated Sales:

Confirmed: 2,382 --- Week Ago: 5,949 --- Year Ago: 24,805

Formula Net - Dressed Steers & Heifers

Head count priced today: 18,600

Weighted avg weight:             841

Weighted avg net price:    197.87

Alberta Beef Producers Daily Report:

Alberta direct cattle sales Wednesday saw no new trade to report. Dressed bids of 268.00 delivered have been reported. Bids are positioned at the bottom of last week's trading range. Buying interest on the cash market has been very light. If bids do not improve sale volumes will be very light.  

Livestock Slaughter under Federal Inspection:                                  

                                  Cattle       Calves     Hogs         Sheep

Friday (est               115,000      2,000        436,000     6,000

Week ago (est)        118,000      2,000        435,000     8,000

Year ago (act)          114,000      3,000       449,000      6,000

Week to date (est)  600,000    11,000    2,294,000    41,000

Last Week (est)       589,000    11,000    2,290,000    43,000

Last Year (act)         585,000    11,000   2,294,000    37,000

Saturday (est              38,000        0               86,000         0

Week ago (est)           49,000        0               94,000       1,000

Year ago (act)             41,000        0             126,000         0

Week to date (est)   638,000     11,000   2,380,000      41,000

Last Week (est)        638,000     11,000    2,384,000     44,000

Last Year* (act)        627,000     11,000    2,421,000     37,000

2019 YTD                9,712,000  178,000  38,928,000   611,000

2018 *YTD              9,608,000  162,000  38,015,000   612,000

Percent change           1.1%        9.6%          2.4%         -0.2%

Previous Day (Estimated)  Steers & Heifers     Cows & Bulls

                            Thursday         96,000                    26,000

Boxed Beef: 

Boxed beef cutout values firm to higher on moderate to good demand and moderate offerings. Choice and Select rib, chuck, and round cuts steady to firm. Loin cuts steady on Choice while higher on Select. Beef trimmings not fully established.

Cutout Values...                 Choice     Select

Current Cutout Values:     233.65    220.49

Change from prior day:      +0.59     +1.03

Choice/Select spread:         13.16

Total Load Count (Cuts, Trimmings, Grinds): 74

Cutter Cow Cutout: 169.94… -0.06

CME Feeder Cattle Index: 144.98… +1.40

Futures… Thursday Closes

Live Cattle:

April: 128.52… +1.60

June: 122.67… +0.30

August: 119.75… +0.20

Feeder Cattle:

April: 145.70… +0.38

May: 151.52… +0.92

August: 160.67… +0.22

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May Hogs: 90.20… +1.28

April Crude Oil: 64.00… +0.24

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May Corn: 3.5850… +0.0025

May Soybeans: 8.8050… +0.0150

May Wheat: 4.4425… -0.0275

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Weekly National Grain Market Review:

Compared to last week, cash bids for corn was mixed, while wheat, sorghum and soybeans were lower.  Ethanol production for week ending April 12th totaled 1.016 million barrels per day, an increase compared to the week prior.  Ethanol stocks were decreased by 517,000 barrels to 22.7 mb.  Monday's planting progress report revealed that planting pace is only slightly below the average at this point in time. However, fields that are saturated and have been slated for corn production are staring at weather forecasts that are unfriendly at this time.  When the weather does cooperate for fieldwork, producers have proven over the years that they can be very efficient and get acres planted in a timely manner.

Grain Cash Bids:

Kansas City Corn: 3.63… Unchanged

Kansas City Soybeans: 8.38… +0.01

Kansas City Wheat: 4.22… -0.03

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Financial Markets: Thursday Closes

Dow Jones Industrial Average: 26,559.54… +110.00

S & P 500: 2,905.03… +4.58

NASDAQ: 7,998.06… +1.98

U.S. Dollar Index: 97.45… +0.44

National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary

RECEIPTS:      Auctions      Direct    Video/Internet   Total

This Week      199,400       86,400         45,400        331,200

Last Week      190,200       53,800         72,800        316,800

Year Ago        182,800       62,500              700        246,000

Compared to last week, steers and heifers sold 2.00 to 7.00 higher; some with auctions in the Nebraska and the Southeast reporting steers 10.00 to 14.00 higher.  The most gain on steers would be the “grass crazy” demand right now as some producers held off purchasing steers under 650 lbs that are suitable for grass until warmer weather is imminent.  Demand at most auctions nationwide this week was described from good to very good as out of state buyers showed up where they hadn’t been seen for a while.  Feedlot pens in the Northern Plains have dried considerably the last week and farmer/feeders came to town to procure cattle before they become swamped with planting spring crops. When farmers start the planter in the field, cattle procurement won’t even cross their mind until the planters are back in the shed.

Large strings on hand at auctions nationwide this week and feeder cattle marketing in Nebraska was delayed 2 to 4 weeks due to the two bomb cyclones that moved across the state since the middle of March.  On Thursday at Ogallala (NE) Livestock Auction Market, two loads of 611 lb steers that were reportedly going to graze sold at 205.00.  Several packages of 5-weight cattle there also sold over the 200.00 level.  The CME Cattle complex found solid footing this week with the front six months of Live Cattle futures being 1.08 to 2.27 higher on the week.  Feeder Cattle futures was minimally higher on the April contract for the week, while the next five months were 1.02 to 2.65 higher.  Packers have now turned to buying for the Mother’s Day and Memorial Day holidays and negotiated feedlot trade again started in the Southern Plains on Wednesday as packers came out and bid 126.00, with feedlots quickly taking their bids which were 2.00 higher than last week.  Nebraska traded cattle Thursday afternoon at 130.00, 2.00 to 4.00 higher than last week with dressed purchases 2.00 to 3.00 higher at 207.00 to 208.00.  With the box-beef cut-out increasing in value each day, packers have increased the need for cattle this week. 

Fed cattle slaughter weights continue to trend below year ago levels as the hard winter in the North took a toll on weight gains.  Steers weights for week ending April 6 are 7 lbs below last year and heifer weights are 5 lbs below.  One thing that analysts will be looking at in future months would be the amount of wheat pasture cattle that will be moving in May.  Cattle Slaughter under federal inspection estimated at 638K for the week, the same as last week and 11K more than a year ago.  Auction volume this week included 51 percent weighing over 600 lbs and 45 percent heifers.

Thursday Auction Reports... 

Pratt Livestock Auction - Pratt KS

Receipts:  4300   Last Week:  3265    Year Ago:  4951

***Close*** Compared to last week: Feeder steers 800-900 lbs sold mostly steady to firm, 900-1000 lbs sold 2.00 to 4.00 higher. Feeder heifers sold mostly steady to 2.00 lower. Calves not enough comparable weights, higher undertone prevailed. Overall, demand good to very good, quality average to mostly attractive. Feeder supply was 60 percent steers, 40 percent heifers, with 88 percent over 600 lbs. Slaughter cows sold steady to 1.00 higher. Bulls sold 1.00 to 2.00 lower.

Bluegrass Stockyards South - Stanford KY

Receipts:  1960    Last Week:  2764    Year Ago:  2856

Compared to last Thursday: Feeder steers under 400 lbs 8.00-10.00 higher, over 400 lbs 3.00-5.00 higher, Feeder heifers under 600 lbs 6.00-8.00 higher, over 600 lbs 2.00-4.00 higher, very good demand for feeder classes. In the majority of instances weaned and vaccinated offerings bringing a premium are noted below as VALUE ADDED, while exceptional quality offerings are noted as FANCY. Slaughter cows 2.00-3.00 higher, Slaughter bulls 3.00-5.00 higher, Good demand for slaughter classes.

Tulia Livestock Auction - Tulia TX

Receipts:  2622    Last Week:  2559    Year Ago:  4241

Compared to last week:  Feeder steers and heifers sold steady to 4.00 higher.  Trade was active on good demand.  Most of the panhandle received much needed rain that has benefited local pastures.  Slaughter cows and bulls made up 2 percent, less than 1 percent replacements, and 98 percent feeders.  Feeder supply consisted of 50 percent steers and bulls, and 50 percent heifers.  Approximately 88 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Farmers & Ranchers Livestock - Salina KS

Receipts:  4649    Last Week:  4918    Year Ago:  3563

Compared to last week, steer calves under 550 lbs sold 7.00 to 10.00 higher; 550-900 lbs sold 3.00 to 6.00 higher; over 900 lbs sold 2.00 higher.  Heifer calves under 550 lbs sold 7.00 to 10.00 higher; 550-750 lbs sold 3.00 to 5.00 higher; over 750 lbs sold 1.00 to 3.00 higher.  Demand good to very good on heavy supply.  Offerings included a nice run of good quality feeders weighing 350-650 lbs going to grass selling on and active market.  April Cattle on Feed report came out this afternoon with On Feed reported at 102 percent; Placements at 105 percent and Marketing’s at 97 percent. Receipts included 54 percent steers, 45 percent heifers and 1 percent bulls.  Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 69 percent.

Benton County Sale Barn – Siloam Springs AR

Receipts:  1365          Last week:  1730         Last year:  1780

Compared to last week: Feeders mostly steady to 5.00 higher except the 400-500lb bulls and steers steady to 4.00 lower. No trend on slaughter cows and bulls not reported last week. Supply included about 890 feeder calves, 90 feeder yearlings, 120 replacement cows, 238 slaughter cows, and 27 slaughter bulls. The feeder supply included 33 percent steers, 48 percent heifers, and 19 percent bulls. Near 9 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

San Angelo Cattle Auction - San Angelo TX

Receipts:  1011    Last Week:  809        Year Ago:  1614

Compared to last week steer and heifer calves and yearlings steady to 2.00 higher.  Slaughter cows’ firm to 1.00 higher; no comparison on slaughter bulls.  Stock cows and pairs firm.  Trading fairly active, demand good.  Quality more attractive than last week.

Athens Livestock Auction - Athens GA

Receipts:  503    Last Week:  460    Year Ago:  597

Compared to one week earlier, slaughter cows steady to 2.00 higher, slaughter bulls steady, feeder steers lightly tested, feeder bulls 8.00 to 10.00 higher, feeder heifers lightly tested, steer calves 2.00 to 5.00 higher, bull calves 6.00 to 10.00 higher, heifer calves 7.00 to 10.00 higher, replacement cows unevenly steady.

Lucedale Livestock Auction - Lucedale MS

Receipts     This week    411       Last Week    396

Compared to last week slaughter cows trended 1.00 to 3.00 Higher. Slaughter bulls trended 1.00 to 3.00 Higher. Feeder steers trended 1.00 to 10.00 Lower. Feeder heifers trended 1.00 to 10.00 Lower. Feeder consisted of 60 percent steers and 40 percent heifers. Receipts weighing under 600 lbs 57 percent over 600 lbs 13 percent. Total receipts were made up of 70 percent feeders, 9 percent slaughter cows and 21 percent Pairs/Replacements.

San Angelo Cattle and Calf Auction - San Angelo TX

Receipts:  1011    Last Week:   809    Year Ago:  1614

Compared to last week steer and heifer calves and yearlings steady to 2.00 higher.  Slaughter cows’ firm to 1.00 higher; no comparison on slaughter bulls.  Stock cows and pairs firm.  Trading fairly active, demand good.  Quality more attractive than last week.  Supply included 15 percent slaughter cows, 1 percent slaughter bulls, 49 percent feeders, 35 percent stock cows and pairs – of the feeder’s 45 percent were steers and bulls – 55 percent weighed over 600 lbs.

Norwood Livestock Auction - Norwood NC

Receipts:  610           Last Week:  742     Last Year: 716

Compared to last week, slaughter cows were 3.00 to 6.00 higher with bulls 3.00 higher.  Feeder cattle were mostly 3.00 to 8.00 higher.  Good demand with active market activity.  Moderate offerings with quality of cattle plain to average. Slaughter cows made up 21 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 4 percent, replacement cows 5 percent, other cows 1 percent, and feeders 70 percent.  The feeder supply included 28 percent steers, 36 percent heifers, and 36 percent bulls. Near 16 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Roanoke Stockyard - Roanoke AL

Receipts:  1101    Last Week:  762    Year Ago:  1081

Compared to a week ago: Slaughter cows and bulls sold 4.00 to 6.00 higher. Replacement cows and pairs sold steady. Feeder heifers sold 2.00 to 5.00 higher. Feeder bulls and steers sold steady to 2.00 higher. The supply consisted of 7 percent slaughter cows, 1 percent bulls, 24 percent replacement cows and pairs, and 68 percent feeders. The feeder supply included 25 percent steers, 44 percent heifers, and 31 percent bulls. Near 28 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Cattleman's Livestock Auction - Dalhart TX

Cattle and Calves:  2,024      Week ago:  1,481      Year Ago: 1,752

Compared to last week:  Steer calves under 600 lbs and feeder steers over 600 lbs 2.00-4.00 higher.  Heifer calves under 600 lbs and feeder heifers over 600 lbs 2.00 to 4.00 higher, except 700-800 lb heifers steady.  Slaughter cows and bulls 1.00-2.00 higher.  Trade active.  Demand good.  Bulk of supply Medium and Large 1-2 350-850 lb feeder steers and heifers.  Slaughter cows made up 16 percent, slaughter bulls 1 percent, replacement cows less than 1 percent, and feeders 84 percent.  The feeder supply included 62 percent steers and 38 percent heifers.  Near 65 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Stoney Pike Livestock Auction - Logansport IN

Receipts:  479    Last Week:  521    Year Ago:  520

Compared to last week, slaughter steers and heifers were 1.00 higher today. Slaughter cows were 2.00 to 7.00 higher and bulls were 5.00 higher. Feeder steers and heifers were sharply lower with feeder bulls trending higher. Holstein steers were mostly steady today with higher quality steers offered. There was a cow/calf and bred cow special today with a good offering and active buyer participation.    

New Cambria Livestock Auction -New Cambria MO

                          This Week     Last Reported    Last Year

Total Receipts:        1,944             1,194              2,080

Compared to the last reported market three weeks ago, steers and heifers sold 3.00 to 7.00 higher with the most increase on steer cattle. Slaughter cows 3.00 to 5.00 higher. This week's hottest ticket was for grazing steers weighing 500-550 lbs but demand was very good for all weights and classes of cattle. Several local farmers were active throughout the sale, encouraged by some positive movement in the futures market and improved weather. Supply heavy. Supply included: 94% Feeder Cattle (59% Steers, 40% Heifers, 1% Bulls); 6% Slaughter Cattle (88% Cows, 12% Bulls). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 52%.

Centerville Wtd Avg Feeder Cattle Auction - Centerville IA

Receipts:  1130   Last Week: No Report   Year Ago: Not Reported   

No trend as this sale was last reported three weeks ago (3/28). Trading was very active with very good demand.  Receipts included 61 percent over 600 lbs., 40 percent steers, 57.9 percent heifers, 2.1 percent bull calves. Today’s offerings had all come off winter rations of grass and hay and were thin fleshed with several lots in very thin condition.  All had been long time weaned with many having had two rounds of shots.

Mitchell Livestock Auction – Mitchell SD

Receipts:  5167    Two Weeks Ago:  3665    Last Year:  987

Compared to two weeks ago:  Feeder steers under 1000 lbs 4.00 to 8.00 higher, over 1000 lbs 1.00 to 3.00 higher.  Best comparison of feeder heifers were those over 800 lbs, steady to 2.00 higher, under 800 lbs sold with higher undertones.  Good demand for all weights of steers, moderate to good demand for heifers.  Cattle feeders were eager to get cattle bought, despite horrible muddy yard conditions, as cash fed cattle jumped to 130.00 today.  A large offering of many long strings and full loads of backgrounded steers and heifers, including one string of 850 steers and heifers that were enrolled in NHTC and Natural Beef Programs and marked as “Value Added”, the market was the most active on these cattle.