WEST PLAINS, APRIL 15, 206 — Compared to last week, slaughter cows were steady to $2 lower and bulls were steady. Demand was good on a moderate supply. Slaughter prices were slightly lower as one of the major packers had a plant down due to water issues.
Rain has been hit and miss and has not been enough to end the extreme drought conditions in the southern portions of the Ozarks Regional Stockyards service area.
Top Prices of the Day
• The top slaughter bull sold for $259/cwt.
• The top slaughter cow sold for $195/cwt.
• On the replacement side, the top pair sold for $5,500.
• The top bred cows sold for $3,950/head.
Pricing Averages Snapshot
• Breaker Cows (75-80% dressing) averaged $178.29/cwt.
• Boner Cows (80-85% dressing) averaged $176.05/cwt.
• Lean Cows (85-90% dressing) averaged $156.51/cwt.
• Slaughter Bulls (Yield Grade 1-2) averaged $206.99/cwt.
Market Note
Total receipts were 673 head, up from 511 last week. Next Wednesday, April 22, the consignment includes 80 bred cows and 40 pairs from one farm.
Fed cattle prices set new record high
WEST PLAINS, APRIL 14, 2026 — Compared to last week, feeder steers were steady to $6 higher with feeder heifers not well tested. Steer and heifer calves were uneven from $3 lower to $6 higher. Demand was good on a moderate supply. The quality of the offering was above average, especially on several loads of yearlings.
The 5 Area Fed Cattle Prices set a new record high this week at $248.35/cwt. Most all salebarns are reporting record or near-record highs for various weights with ORS being no exception.
Market Highlights
• Total receipts were 2,213 head.
• The largest draft of the day was 72 head of 624 lb. heifers which sold for $404/cwt.
• Another large draft was 72 head of 772 lb. steers which sold for $382/cwt.
Pricing Snapshot (Per Cwt / Avg Price)
• Steers (Medium & Large 1, 452-496 lbs) averaged $572.49.
• Steers (Medium & Large 1, 551-596 lbs) averaged $494.55.
• Steers (Medium & Large 1, 605-644 lbs) averaged $460.16.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1, 400-439 lbs) averaged $526.33.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1, 502-544 lbs) averaged $466.74.
• Heifers (Medium & Large 1, 600-624 lbs) averaged $403.65.
Good demand seen across board
Demand was good on a moderate supply for this Video Auction held in conjunction with ORS' feeder cattle sale. Total receipts were 560 head. All cattle offered are in Arkansas, with current deliveries up to 14 days from the video sale date through May 6.
Video Auction Highlights
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1, 535 lbs avg) for March delivery sold for $545/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 890 lbs avg) for current delivery sold for $341/cwt.
• Southeast Steers (M&L 1-2, 931 lbs avg) for current delivery sold for $333.45/cwt.
• Southeast Heifers (M&L 1-2, 745 lbs avg) for current delivery sold for $352/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
