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South Dakota Weekly Cattle Auction Summary

Archived Report

2/6/2021

Total Run: 21,207

Market Notes

Compared to last week: Feeder steers steady to 5.00 lower, heifers under 600 lbs 6.00 to 7.00 lower, over 600 lbs steady to 3.00 lower. Demand moderate to good for all weights and classes but cattle feeders definitely slowed their pace in their pursuit for feeder cattle. Concern over the cash fed cattle market failing to rise up to meet the Feb futures contract put pressure on the feeder market this week. A large offering of feeder cattle in East River auctions as cattle producers on that side of river market more cattle after the start of the new calendar year, most West River auctions didn't hold feeder cattle sales as they skip this week every year as the Black Hills Stock Show was going on. Very cold weather settled over the region which helped to keep the ground froze and keep cattle cleaner as the warm weather early in the week saw cattle getting dirty if not bedded well. Cash fed cattle sales did trade higher, up to 114.50 in Iowa on Friday and 179.00 dressed but that still left a negative 2.00 basis. Cash corn above 5.50 has raised feed cost considerably from the levels projected last fall, when cattle were placed on feed. Breakeven prices moved higher because of that fact but the deferred months of Live Cattle contracts are higher than where they were during that time. Overweight fed cattle continue to plague the industry, especially in the northern plains where the mild weather and dry yard conditions allowed cattle to grow very quickly resulting in a large amount of cattle weighing over 1600 lbs. Cattle feeders are still struggling with profitability and are careful to buy cattle that have a realistic breakeven. Extra flesh condition on feeder cattle is a thing to avoid for cattle feeders, but especially in a year of rising feed cost and a struggling fed cattle market. Green, thin fleshed cattle are easy to sell and bring top prices while those carrying too much are very hard to sell. Slaughter cows 2.00 to 3.00 higher, except Breaker cows 6.00 to 7.00 higher, bulls 2.00 higher.

Supply included: 90% Feeder Cattle (58% Steers, 0% Dairy Steers, 42% Heifers); 10% Slaughter Cattle (56% Steers, 3% Dairy Steers, 24% Heifers, 16% Cows, 2% Bulls). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 82%.

LIVESTOCK SUMMARY Current Week Last Reported 1/25/2021 Last Year Total Receipts: 21,207 27,502 21,459 Feeder Cattle: 19,054(89.8%) 26,201(95.3%) 20,001(93.2%) Slaughter Cattle: 2,153(10.2%) 1,301(4.7%) 1,458(6.8%)

Feeder Steers

Weight Min Avg Max Approx*
200-300 $--
300-400 196 201 207.5 $703
400-500 172 184 199 $830
500-600 160.75 176 185.5 $969
600-700 $--
700-800 $--

Feeder Heifers

Weight Min Avg Max Approx*
200-300 $--
300-400 158 164 171 $573
400-500 147 155 165 $699
500-600 126 146 165.5 $801
600-700 121.5 138 150.25 $894
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 $73 $85 $93

Total Run

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