Today's Features

by Steve Musen

Calving season will be here before we know it. Providing sound management during that time can mean more live calves, which translates to more profit for you.

It is important to have a short calving period to allow frequent observation and assistance if needed. Some specific things a producer can do to limit calf loss include:

Jan. 11, 2016

Cattle Receipts: 635
Jan. 4: 288
Last Year: 65

Compared to last week: With cattle quality good, feeder steers sold $2-$4 higher, heifers steady-$3 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls sold $2-$3 higher.

Slaughter cows made up 5 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 0 percent, replacement cows 3 percent, and feeders 92 percent.  The feeder supply included 53 percent steers, 28 percent heifers, and 19 percent bulls. Near 55 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Jan. 4, 2016

Cattle Receipts: 288
Last week: n/a
Last year: n/a

Feeders: 219
Slaughter: 60
Replacement: 9

No trends due to the holidays, but a steady undertone noted on all classes.

Slaughter cows made up 18 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 3 percent, replacements 3 percents and feeders 76 percent. The feeder supply included 35 percent heifers, and 28 percent bulls. Near 13 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

by Jeneen Wiche