WEST PLAINS, April 29, 2026 — Compared to last week, slaughter cows sold steady at Ozarks Regional Stockyards, while slaughter bulls were $1 to $2 higher. Demand was good on a moderate supply of bred cows and slaughter animals and a light supply of pairs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Cold Storage Report, released April 25, reported total pounds of beef in freezers were down 2% from the previous month and down 3% from last year. Scattered rains and storms this past week added moisture to the soil, but most of the area continues to be well below average rainfall for the year.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $242/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $198/cwt.
• Taking a look at the replacement animals, the top pairs sold for $5,000/pair.
• The top bred cows sold for $3,700/head.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing) averaged $175.58/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing) averaged $175.96/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing) averaged $156.05/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2) averaged $211.68/cwt.
Steady to higher prices at feeder market as CME Futures climb
Compared to last week, feeder steers and heifers were steady to $4 higher. Steer and heifers calves were mostly steady with spots $8 higher. Demand was good on a light supply. The CME Cattle Futures traded sharply higher on Tuesday. There were verified reports of fat cattle selling for $252/cwt. Most of the area has received some beneficial rainfall which helped to improve pasture conditions as well as helping the hayfields.
Market Highlights
• Total receipts were 1,302 head.
• The offering consisted of small drafts with the largest draft being 34 head of 748 lb. steers which sold for $398/cwt.
• Another stick-out draft was 12 head of 705 lb. replacement heifers which sold for $401/cwt.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1, 456-495 lbs) averaged $540.45.
• Steers (Medium & Large 1, 505-536 lbs) averaged $527.36.
• Steers (Medium & Large 1, 614-636 lbs) averaged $454.34.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1, 405-442 lbs) averaged $515.72.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1, 462-497 lbs) averaged $475.69.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1, 550-578 lbs) averaged $423.98.
Good demand seen across the board at Video Auction
Demand was good on a moderate supply for this Video Auction held in conjunction with ORS' regular feeder cattle sale. Total receipts were 704 head. All cattle offered are in Arkansas and Mississippi. All deliveries are current through May 15.
Video Auction Highlights
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 913 lbs avg) for current delivery sold for $343.27/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 940 lbs avg) for current delivery sold for $334/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 860 lbs avg) for May delivery sold for $350.50/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 750 lbs avg) for current delivery sold for $346.23/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 820 lbs avg) for May delivery sold for $333.50/cwt.
Source: USDA AMS Livestock, Poultry & Grain Market News MO Dept of Ag Market News - Dan Hill, Market Reporter Jefferson City, MO | (573) 751-5618 www.ams.usda.gov/lpgmn
