WEST PLAINS — Compared to last week, slaughter cows and bulls were $2 to $5 lower Wednesday at Ozarks Regional Stockyards. Demand was good on a moderate supply of slaughter animals and a heavy supply of replacement cattle. There were several herd dispersals including 275 cows from one farm. Lack of water was a contributing factor for such a large offering which was the largest Wednesday sale since April 2025. Total receipts were 1,033 head.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bulls sold for $200/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $155/cwt.
• On the replacement side, the top pair sold for $4,150/pair.
• The top bred cows sold for $3,500/head.
• One stick-out draft was 30 head of 1,156 lb third-stage bred heifers which sold for $4,000/head.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing): Averaged $132.89/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing): Averaged $132.27/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing): Averaged $115.88/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2): Averaged $180.43/cwt.
Feeder cattle sales uneven
Compared to last week, feeder steers and heifers were uneven from $5 lower to $5 higher on Tuesday. Steer and heifer calves under 700 lbs were $5 to $10 higher. Demand was good on a moderate supply of 1,589 head. Daily temperatures are beginning to fluctuate over 40 degrees making it rough on calves, especially those without a pre-conditioning program. Buyers bid accordingly with calves weaned 60+ days with multiple rounds of shots topping the market. The CME Live Cattle Futures traded higher on Tuesday and Feeder Cattle Futures traded sharply higher with several contract months over $9 higher.
Market Highlights
• The largest draft of the day was 70 head of 658 lb heifers that sold for $344/cwt.
• Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs made up 54% of the offering.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 452-470 lbs (459 lbs avg): Averaged $445.48.
◦ 501-549 lbs (531 lbs avg): Averaged $410.77.
◦ 550-578 lbs (570 lbs avg): Averaged $416.87.
◦ 600-624 lbs (615 lbs avg): Averaged $380.08.
◦ 706-749 lbs (727 lbs avg): Averaged $357.83.
◦ 808-848 lbs (834 lbs avg): Averaged $317.23.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1):
◦ 455-492 lbs (472 lbs avg): Averaged $401.94.
◦ 501-537 lbs (516 lbs avg): Averaged $376.33.
◦ 558-589 lbs (570 lbs avg): Averaged $357.15.
◦ 614-640 lbs (633 lbs avg): Averaged $366.84.
◦ 658 lbs: Averaged $343.42.
Video auction sees light supply
Demand was good on a light supply for this Video Auction held in conjunction with ORS' feeder cattle sale. Total receipts were 373 head reported sold. All cattle offered are in Arkansas and Mississippi. Current deliveries are cattle that will be delivered up to 14 days from the video sale date, keeping current delivery through Oct. 20.
Video Auction Highlights
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 760 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $345/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 835 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $332/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 950 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $311.50/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 1,025 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $290/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 725 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $330/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1, 825 lbs avg): Current delivery sold for $303/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
