KO_LS850  
Oklahoma City, OK    Fri  May 16, 2008    USDA-OK Dept of Ag Market News 

   National Slaughter Cattle Summary - Week Ending May 16, 2008   

   Compared to last week:  Slaughter cattle trade is light this morning
in Kansas at steady money.  Trade is expected to begin soon in Texas as 
buyer inquiry is reportedly good.  Limited trades also occurred in Nebraska
on Thursday 1.00 higher on a dressed basis.  Feedlots holding for better money
despite the steady June cattle futures as well as steady boxed beef prices.  
Packers on the other hand are short bought and will need cattle to keep up with
the 700,000 head slaughter rate.  Boxed beef cut-out values Friday morning averaged
154.36 up .42 from last Friday.  The choice/Select spread, currently at 4.46.  
Slaughter cattle on a national basis for negotiated cash trades through noon 
Friday totaled about 34,000 head.  Last week the full count totaled 203,345.  

Midwest Direct Markets: 
Live Basis: Steers and Heifers 
   35-80 Percent Choice, 1200-1400 lbs  94.00
Dressed Basis:  Steers and Heifers 
   35-80 percent Choice, 800-950 lbs  149.00-150.00. 

High Plains Direct Markets: 
Live Basis: Steers and Heifers
   35-65 percent Choice, 900-1400 lbs  94.00.  
   
Slaughter Cows and Bulls (Average Yielding Prices):
   Slaughter cows and bulls 1.00-2.00 higher.  
   USDA's Cutter cow carcass cut-out value Friday morning was 129.82 up
2.37 from last Friday's close.  

Prices paid for average dressing:
           %Lean     Weight     Colorado       Oklahoma      Alabama  
Breakers   75-80%  1000-1600    56.00-59.00    54.50-58.00   53.00-56.50
Boners     80-85%  1000-1600    55.00-58.00    55.00-58.00   55.50-59.00
Lean       85-90%   900-1400    53.00-56.00    50.50-54.00   50.00-53.00
Bulls      88-92%  1200-2300    65.50-69.00    66.50-69.00   69.50-74.50

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