Markets
In the Cattle Markets: Fed Heifer Marketings Surge
Over Last 6 Weeks
David P. Anderson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Cattle slaughter surged over
the last 6 weeks with weekly
slaughter over 650,000 head
every week since the first of
May, except the Memorial
Day shortened week. Total
cattle slaughter is up about
9 percent compared to the
same period a year ago. Much
of the year-over-year increase
in slaughter is from heifers. ago. Weekly slaughter levels
were the largest since May 2013.
Fed heifer slaughter is up about
17 percent over the last six
weeks, using the daily slaughter
data and estimating the first
two weeks of June. Going
back to the first of April fed
heifer slaughter is up about 16
percent compared to a year Steer, heifer, beef cow, and dairy
cow slaughter tend to have
their own different seasonal
pattern. These depend, in large
part, on seasonal production
patterns. Beef cow culling
tends to climb in late Spring-
early Summer then peaks in
Fall. Dairy cow culling bottoms
out in summer. Looking at the
last few years, heifer slaughter
tended to be at its seasonal
low from about May-July at
the same time steer slaughter
hit its seasonal high.
Top Genetics
Our program is built on top genetics reflecting the breed’s most proven bloodlines.
Celebrating 30 years in the Limousin breed!
M & R
Edna 137E
Homo Black • Homo Polled • 81% Limousin
CED: 6 BW: 3.6 WW: 80 YW: 122 MK: 22
CEM: 6 SC: 0.75 ST: 3
Doc: 13 YG: -0.02 CW: 49 REA: 0.26
MB: 0.09 FT: -0.04 $MTI: 57.60
This 4/13/2017 MAGS A Whoopin heifer has the eye appeal and balanced EPD profile we’re striving to produce.
Our thanks to the Brad Sherry Family of Yukon, OK for their purchase of Edna at the recent Select Breeders Sale.
Online Sale September 13, 2018
Selling open and bred heifers, herd sire
prospects and designer embryo matings.
Watch for details or give us a call!
Owners: Mark & Robin Middleton
2413 Argo Rd. • Bourbon, MO 65441 • 573-732-4739 • 314-956-9878 cell
e-mail: [email protected] • www.mrlimousin.com
104 | JUNE/JULY 2018
Summer seasonal lows in
heifer slaughter over the last
few years reflects cow herd
expansion. Fewer heifer calves
were sent to feedlots as they
were kept to enter the herd. The
seasonality of heifer slaughter
is likely changing as the herd
size has recovered from the
drought and expansion is
slowing. More heifer calves
and feeders are available to
go to feedlots because more
were born and fewer are
needed for herd replacement.
The Cattle on Feed report each
quarter includes a breakout
estimate of the number of
steers and heifers on feed. The