Athens Livestock Auction - Jan 9, 2009

Steer and heifer prices jump, slaughter prices decline.

ATHENS, TX, Jan. 9, 2009 -- Compared to three weeks ago: Feeder steers and heifers under 400 lbs 8.00-12.00 higher, over 400 lbs. 3.00-5.00 higher. Slaughter cows steady to 2.00 lower. Slaughter bulls steady. Trade and demand good. Bulk supply Medium and Large 1-2 400-700 lb feeder steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 9 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 1 percent, replacement cows 5 percent, and feeders 85 percent. The feeder supply included 59 percent steers and 41 percent heifers. Near 16 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Cattle and Calves: 1,395
Week Ago: 445
Year Ago: N/A

Steers:
Medium and Large 1: 300-400 lbs 113.00-118.00; 400-500 lbs 97.00-100.00, few to 108.00; 500-600 lbs 90.00-94.00, few to 96.00.
Medium and Large 2: 300-400 lbs 106.00-111.00; 400-500 lbs 91.00-97.00; 500-600 lbs 82.00-86.00; 600-700 lb calves 75.00-82.00; 700-800 lbs 71.00-77.00.
Medium and Large 3: 400-500 lbs 84.00-90.00.

Heifers:
Medium and Large 1: 300-400 lbs 95.00-100.00; 400-500 lbs 89.00-91.00; 500-600 lbs 84.00-87.00.
Medium and Large 2: 300-400 lbs 86.00-90.00; 400-500 lbs 80.00-83.00; 500-600 lbs 77.00-82.00; 600-700 lb calves 71.00-77.00.
Medium and Large 3: 300-400 lbs 74.00-78.00.

Slaughter Cows:
%Lean Weight Avg Dressing Hi Dressing Lo Dressing
Boners, 80-85%, 1200-1600#, Avg Dress 39.00-46.50
Boners, 80-85%, 1000-1200#, Avg Dress 39.00-45.50
Lean, 85-90%, 1200-1600#, Avg Dress 35.00-38.00
Lean, 85-90%, 1000-1200#, Avg Dress 32.50-37.50
Lean, 85-90%, 800-1000#, Avg Dress 32.00-35.00, Lo Dress 25.00-29.50

Slaughter Bulls:
Yield Grade 1-2, 1300-2100 lbs, 49.00-54.50, Lo Dress 1000-1300 lbs, 42.50-46.50

Replacement Cows:
Medium and Large 1-2: young 750-1140 lb cows 5-8 months bred 55.00-83.00 CWT; middle aged 900-1465 lb cows 5-8 months bred 42.00-58.00 CWT; aged 865-1350 lb cows 4-8 months bred 35.00-46.00 CWT.

Cow/Calf Pairs: Medium and Large 1-2: middle aged 800-1300 lb cows w/50-200 lb calves 630.00-1010.00 per pair; aged 950-1270 lb cows w/100-200 lb calves 670.00-740.00 per pair.