KO_LS850 Oklahoma City, OK Thu Jul 02, 2009 USDA-OK Dept of Ag Market News National Slaughter Cattle Summary - Week Ending Jul 04, 2009 Compared to last week: Slaughter cattle trading very slow in Texas at press time, moderate in Kansas and just beginning in Nebraska. Live prices trended 1.00 higher in the South, 1.00-2.00 higher in the North. Dressed prices 2.00 higher in Nebraska. Some feedyards are still passing all bids. Slaughter rates are running very close to last week, the Friday slaughter report will not be issued due to the Holiday. Futures prices have been very supportive with several months now over 90.00. Wholesale beef prices are slightly lower again this week. The boxed beef cut-out values Thursday afternoon averaged 135.17 down .45 from last Friday. The Choice/Select spread is now at 5.46. Slaughter cattle on a national basis for negotiated cash trades through Thursday afternoon totaled 45,000 head thus far. Last week's movement totaled 212,400 head. Midwest Direct Markets: Live Basis: Steers and Heifers 35-80 Percent Choice, 1200-1400 lbs: 82.00-82.50. Dressed Basis: Steers and Heifers: few 131.00. High Plains Direct Markets: Live Basis: Steers and Heifers 35-65 percent Choice, 900-1400 lbs: 83.00. Slaughter Cows and Bulls (Average Yielding Prices): Slaughter cows and bulls unevenly steady in Oklahoma, other areas not available due to holiday closings. Supplies have increased as prices worked higher over the past couple of weeks. USDA's Cutter cow carcass cut-out value Thursday afternoon was 112.02 up 2.51 from last Friday's close. Prices paid for average dressing: %Lean Weight Montana Oklahoma Alabama Breakers 75-80% 1000-1600 N/A 48.50-53.50 N/A Boners 80-85% 1000-1600 48.00-53.00 Lean 85-90% 1000-1400 45.00-48.50 Bulls 88-92% 1200-2300 60.00-64.00 Source: USDA-Oklahoma Dept of Ag Market News, Oklahoma City, OK Jerry Alexander Telephone (405) 232-5425. www.ams.usda.gov/lsmarketnews 1600c