HQ_LS109
Oklahoma City, OK   Fri   Dec 11, 1998   USDA-OK Dept of Ag Market News

National Slaughter Cattle Summary-Week Ending December 11, 1998  

  *** As of January 15, 1999 this report will be coded KO_LS850 ***

             Confirmed Sales In 5 Major Trade Areas
   Texas-Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa-So. Minnessota

   This Week: 339,300  Last Week: 252,900      Last Year: 288,100         

   Slaughter cattle weak to 2.00 lower.  Demand fairly good for cattle 
as packers opted to buy available offerings at the reduced levels and
build some inventory.  Cattle futures declined sharply throughout the
week causing feedlots to accept the lower bids as they struggle to 
remain current in their marketings.  Slaughter cattle offerings are
expected to remain fully adequate throughout the upcoming weeks.  
   USDA's Boxed Beef Cut-Out Values declined a mere 34 cents for the 
week despite heavy offerings of beef products.  
    Lighter than normal non-fed slaughter, with this trend exptected to 
continue, coupled with a partial days kill to be bought by the Russians 
is about the only positive news in the short run for the slaughter 
market. 

Midwest Direct Markets:                                        
  Steers:   Select and Choice 2-3,    1100-1350 lbs    59.50-61.00  
  Heifers:  Select and Choice 2-3,    1050-1300 lbs    59.50-61.00
  Dressed Basis:  Steers and Heifers 
            Select and Choice 2-3,    1100-1350 lbs    95.00-97.00          

High Plains Direct Markets:
  Steers:   Select and Choice 2-3,    1100-1350 lbs    60.00-61.00         
  Heifers:  Select and Choice 2-3,    1000-1250 lbs    60.00-61.00       

Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana:  Steers and Heifers  
    Dressed Basis: Select and Choice 2-3,              97.00-98.00           

Slaughter Cows and Bulls (Average Yielding):
   Slaughter cows steady to 1.00 lower, decline in southeast.
          % Lean  Weight         Washington    Oklahoma     Alabama 
Breakers  75-80   1000-1600 lbs  31.00-34.00   29.00-31.50  27.00-30.00    
Boners    80-85    900-1500 lbs  28.00-31.00   29.50-32.00  29.00-32.00
Lean      85-90    850-1300 lbs  24.00-27.00   28.00-30.50  25.50-28.50 
Bulls     88-92   1500-2200 lbs  35.00-38.00   41.00-44.50  35.00-38.00

*** NOTE:  This report is issued weekly and runs from the previous Friday 
through Thursday of the current week.  Slaughter cow prices relect Tuesday
sales. ***

Source: USDA-Oklahoma Dept of Ag Market News, Oklahoma City, OK
        Robert Miles - Tina Colby      Telephone (405) 232-5425. 

Internet site   http://www.ams.usda.gov/mncs/mn_reports/hq_ls109.txt





.