$150.00 per head less than last week. That includes cows, baby calves, butcher bulls, steers, and heifers. Why the big drop? I guess we could write the entire report on what made it happen… but we won’t. Drought conditions are forcing sell-outs or people to sell early. High interest rates are causing potential buyers to want to buy them cheaper; the war in Israel causes a lot of unrest and a lot uncertainty; the inability of our U. S. House of Representatives to elect a speaker of the House – those are just touching on some of the reasons behind a drastic lower market yesterday.
Market Reports show that cattle were lower statewide. Slaughter bulls were steady and butcher cows were $3 to $20 lower. Some feeder heifers were called up to $20 lower and some steers up to $15 lower. Feed lot capacity, according to cattle on feed report, is tighter than anytime in the past several years. Why? Dry conditions cause lighter calves than normal to be shipped west. They can feed them cheaper than we can.
What’s the answer? A good soaking rain which would allow our winter grazing to germinate and grow. This should increase demand especially on lighter calves. That’s not in our hands.
Positive report on a good set of black steer calves right off the cow. John Holland sold 4 that averaged 558 lbs. and averaged $2.25 per pound. That’s over $1,250 per head. Good cattle, good money! The plainer type cattle were really where the lower prices took effect.
Remember the BQA meeting November 9th. The cost of the program is $15.00 and will include a meal provided by SEML. Good presenters with knowledge that producers need will be here. Meal is at 6:00 P.M. and we must have you pre-registered. Call the office and let the ladies know.
39 cows and 37 calves will be sold at Southeast MS Livestock next Monday, October 30th. Look forward to seeing you here.
Sincerely,
Mike Keene
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