South Dakota Weekly Cattle Auction Summary
Archived Report
4/24/2021
Total Run: 23,794
Market Notes
Compared to last week: Feeder steers 3.00 to 7.00 lower, heifers 5.00 to 10.00 lower, under 550 lbs to 15.00 lower. Demand was more moderate this week as the cattle futures contracts flopped and the corn futures continue to skyrocket. Large auction receipts, twice as large as last year, with quite a few cattle producers having to sell off their heifers they held back for replacements as the drought conditions continue to plague the central and western parts of the state. The drought is the most extreme in the north central and northwest part of the state, other areas are not much better. Some rain fell in the last few weeks but not enough to run any water to fill up the stock dams. Cattle feeders had just gotten to a profitable level with their fed cattle only to see the market go lower. Packers continue to hold all the leverage in the market as they have pushed the boxed beef market up to 283.77. Outside of last year, the last time Choice beef was this high the fat cattle market was 170.00 live basis, versus the 120.00-123.00 this week. Slaughter cows steady to 2.00 lower, except Breaker cows 5.00 to 6.00 lower. Bulls steady.Supply included: 94% Feeder Cattle (51% Steers, 48% Heifers, 1% Bulls); 6% Slaughter Cattle (35% Steers, 7% Dairy Steers, 10% Heifers, 45% Cows, 3% Bulls). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 85%.
LIVESTOCK SUMMARY Current Week Last Reported 4/12/2021 Last Year Total Receipts: 23,794 15,313 14,893 Feeder Cattle: 22,413(94.2%) 13,674(89.3%) 14,344(96.3%) Slaughter Cattle: 1,381(5.8%) 1,639(10.7%) 549(3.7%)
Feeder Steers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | 189 | 196 | 202 | $687 |
| 400-500 | $-- | |||
| 500-600 | $-- | |||
| 600-700 | $-- | |||
| 700-800 | $-- |
Feeder Heifers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | 170 | 174 | 181 | $610 |
| 400-500 | $-- | |||
| 500-600 | $-- | |||
| 600-700 | $-- | |||
| 700-800 | $-- |
*Approx is the middle weight of the weight group multiplied by the mid point of the high and low for the group. It's meant as a quick method to see what cattle of that weight class are bringing per head.
Cows & Bulls
| Type | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slaughter Bulls | $74 | $90 | $102 |