Prepared and written by Jeff Swenson, DATCP Livestock and Meat Specialist. The Market Update draws information from several sources, including trade publications, radio broadcasts, agricultural news services, individuals involved in the industry as well as USDA NASS and AMS reports.
Last week’s Cattle on Feed report came with no real surprises. The number of cattle in feedlots over 1,000 head on January 1 was 3% lower than last year at 11.45 million. December placements totaled 1.55 million, making it 5% less than a year ago. Fed cattle marketed was up 2%, mostly due to one more business day in 2025 compared to 2024. The final USDA Monthly Slaughter report of 2025 was also released last week. Beef production for the year was 4.4% lower than 2024, with total head harvested 6.4% lower. Steer harvest was 4.2% lower, with heifer harvest down 7.7%. All cow harvest was 11.7% lower, but most of the decrease was in beef cow harvest which was 17.4% lower. Dairy cow harvest was 3.1% lower than in 2024. Negotiated trade was higher by the end of last week. Asking prices were higher to start this week, with few sales reported through Thursday. The Choice beef cutout continues to gain strength, averaging $368.70 last week, for an increase of $1.25. The Select cutout was 43 cents lower to average $361.30. Last week’s estimated harvest was 535,000 head, 27,000 fewer than the previous week and 59,000 fewer than the same week a year ago.
Fed cattle were mostly higher to $2 higher. Top quality beef steers and heifers brought $224-$236/cwt. Mixed Choice and Select steers and heifers ranged from $212-224/cwt. High grading Holstein steers were steady to $2 higher at $190-$212/cwt. Lower grading steers brought $169-$190/cwt. Silage fed, under finished steers brought $90-$168/cwt. Dairy Beef cross steers were steady to higher, bringing $184-$230. Cows were mostly steady to $1 higher. Most cows brought $108-$142/cwt with a few selling into the high $150s. Lower yielding cows brought $60-$108/cwt. Doubtful health and thin cows brought up to $60/cwt. Dairy breed bull calves were higher, selling from $650-$1,250/head, with some higher. Dairy breed heifer calves brought $200-$600/head. Beef and Beef Cross calves were higher from $700 to $1,750/head, with some higher. Light and lower quality calves sold up to $60. New crop lambs brought $230-247/cwt.
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