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Oklahoma City, OK    Fri Jan 02, 2009    USDA-OK Dept of Ag Market News 

   National Slaughter Cattle Summary - Week Ending January 2, 2009   

   Compared to last week:  Fat cattle trades have yet to develop in Texas,
Kansas and Nebraska as cattle futures are sharply higher today.  Boxed beef 
prices have held steady thru the holiday period.
   Boxed beef cut-out values Friday morning averaged 139.68 up .15 from 
a week ago Wednesday.  The choice/Select spread is currently at 7.23.  
Slaughter cattle on a national basis for negotiated cash trades through 
Friday morning totaled 9,432 head, these trades in Iowa and Southern 
Minnesota.  Last week's movement totaled 163,731.
 
Midwest Direct Markets: 
Live Basis: Steers and Heifers 
   35-80 Percent Choice, 1200-1400 lbs  not tested.
Dressed Basis:  Steers and Heifers 
   35-80 percent Choice, 800-950 lbs  not tested

High Plains Direct Markets: 
Live Basis: Steers and Heifers
   35-65 percent Choice, 900-1400 lbs  not tested
   
Slaughter Cows and Bulls (Average Yielding Prices):
   Markets in Oklahoma and Alabama remain closed for the holidays.  Colorado
sales lightly tested but reported cows 2.00 higher than the previous week and
bulls not well tested.
   USDA's Cutter cow carcass cut-out value Friday morning was 108.36 up 
6.83 from a week ago Wednesday.  

Prices paid for average dressing:
           %Lean     Weight     Colorado       Oklahoma      Alabama  
Breakers   75-80%  1000-1600    44.25-47.50    no sales      no sales   
Boners     80-85%  1000-1600    43.50-47.00    
Lean       85-90%  1000-1400    40.00-43.50    
Bulls      88-92%  1200-2300     no test    

Source: USDA-Oklahoma Dept of Ag Market News, Oklahoma City, OK
        Jerry Alexander     Telephone (405) 232-5425.
        www.ams.usda.gov/lsmarketnews
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