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Pasture to Market Providing beef cattle industry information for producers in Louisiana

January—February 2018

Minerals for Beef Cattle— Minerals are an essential part of the diet of all animals and play a

significant role in the well-being of a beef herd. Practically all metabolic functions of an animal require minerals. About 5

percent of the total body weight of an animal is comprised of minerals. Minerals are usually classified as 1) major and 2) minor

or trace. The major or macro-minerals include calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, magnesium, chorine and sulfur.

These generally are required in relatively large amounts. The minor or trace minerals include manganese, copper, iron, zinc,

selenium, iodine and cobalt. The terms “minor” or “trace” should not be thought of as an indication of lack of importance.

Rather, these terms indicate relative amounts required in the diet of any animal.

Since minerals affect general health and ability to grow and reproduce, beef cattle need to be fed supplementary minerals.

Mineral deficiencies are commonly problems related to soil composition and the availability of soil nutrients to plants. In some

areas, several minerals may need to be supplemented. In other areas, only a few may need to be provided. When making

decisions about mineral supplementation strategies, first know the animal’s mineral needs. The mineral requirements of cattle

are reported by the NRC (Nutritional Requirements of Beef Cattle). These requirements, given in Table 1, are expressed as a

percent or mg/kg (ppm) of the diet. Producers can use these values to calculate an animal’s required daily mineral intake. The

second step is to estimate the animal’s mineral consumption from all sources other than the mineral supplement. To

accomplish this, an understanding of total feed and forage dry matter intake, mineral composition of the feed and forage, and

mineral digestibility is important. Finally, provide for mineral deficiencies with an economical mineral supplementation

strategy.

Mineral Requirements and Maximum Tolerable Concentrations — NRC, 7th Revised Edition

Cows — 1,200 Lb. mature weight producing 20 Lb. milk per day during lactation

Mineral Unit Gestating Early Lactating Maximum Tolerable

Concentration

Calcium % 0.21 0.30 —

Chlorine % — — —

Chromium mg/kg — — 1,000.00

Cobalt mg/kg 0.10 0.10 10.00

Copper mg/kg 10.00 10.00 100.00

Iodine mg/kg 0.50 0.50 50.00

Iron mg/kg 50.00 50.00 1,000.00

Magnesium % 0.12 0.20 0.40

Manganese mg/kg 40.00 40.00 1,000.00

Molybdenum mg/kg — — 5.00

Nickel mg/kg — — 50.00

Phosphorus % 0.15 0.19 —

Potassium % 0.60 0.70 3.00

Selenium mg/kg 0.10 0.10 2.00

Sodium % 0.06-0.08 0.10 —

Sulfur % 0.15 0.15 0.40

Zinc mg/kg 30.00 30.00 500.00

Table 1

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Continued from page 1— Although type of animal and reproductive status of an animal can influence mineral requirements,

the previous table illustrates a general recommendation of mineral levels for beef cows.

If mineral levels in the ration or forage fall below the suggested levels, deficiency symptoms will become evident. Specific

symptoms for each mineral are possible, but many symptoms may be similar for several minerals. These may include loss of or

an abnormal appetite, poor growth rate, poor reproductive performance, skeletal problems, dull and rough hair coat and an

overall unthrifty condition. Levels of minerals above the maximum tolerable levels can result in toxic situations, generally

resulting in eventual death.

The most satisfactory way of providing supplemental minerals to animals is to use a “complete” mineral mixture (contains

macro and trace-minerals) offered free choice in a single compartment feeder. The calcium to phosphorus ratio should be

about 1.5-2:1 under most conditions in Louisiana.

Alternatively, producers can choose to mix their own mineral mixtures or have special mixtures formulated based on the

individual requirements of the beef herd. Regardless of the method of supplementation, it should meet the dietary

requirements and be the most cost-effective method.

Provide clean, fresh minerals continuously, and monitor consumption. Mineral intake should remain in the range of two to four

ounces per head per day. Intake will vary because of the type and quality of forage and feed available. Place mineral feeders in

areas readily accessible to cattle. Such areas include water tanks, shaded loafing areas and areas of best grazing. The number of

feeders should be adequate to accommodate the maximum stocking rate of the pasture. Check feeders at least weekly to

monitor intake and assure a clean, fresh supply of minerals.

Overall productivity of a beef herd can be significantly affected by a deficient mineral supplementation program. Supplying

beef cattle with adequate levels of both major and minor minerals is required to attain maximum productivity from your herd.

An analysis of your mineral program may go a long way in solving several problems continuously encountered. — Source: LSU

AgCenter publication 2239 “Louisiana Beef Cattle Production”.

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Louisiana Soil Health & Cover Crop Conferences — Two conferences scheduled for January will feature information on

soil health, cover crops, and other row crop and forage issues. The LSU AgCenter, the Louisiana Master Farmer Program and

the Natural Resources Conservation Service are planning the events.

The first conference will be on January 23 at the Hampton Inn in West Monroe, and the second on January 24 at the DeWitt

Livestock Show Facility near the LSU Alexandria campus. Both will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no registration charge,

and the public is invited. Farmers, landowners, and personnel of state and federal agriculture agencies are encouraged to

attend.

Topics to be addressed include:

Participants will receive credit for Phase 2 of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program. Certified Master Farmers and certified

crop advisers who attend will receive continuing education credit.

Pre-registration is required and may be completed at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/louisiana-soil-health-cover-crop-conference-west-monroe-tickets-40791418230 for the West Monroe conference or

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/louisiana-soil-health-cover-crop-conference-alexandria-tickets-40791660956 for the Alexandria conference

For more information, contact James Hendrix at 318-235-7198 or Donna Morgan at 318-613-9278.

Soil Fertility

Soil Biology/Stability

Soil Moisture/Water Management/Water Quality

Cover Crop Economics

Cover Crop Selection/Mixes/Management

Rainfall Simulator Demonstration

Weed Management/Invasive Plants

Disease Management in Cover Cropping Systems

Cover Crop Management in Pastures

Nematode Issues in Cover Crops

Pasture Grazing Management

Clover Can Improve Louisiana Pastures — An LSU AgCenter forage specialist said cattle producers should consider planting

clover in pastures because of its advantages as a food source. AgCenter forage specialist Wink Alison, speaking at the annual

conference of the Louisiana Forage and Grassland Council on December 8, said that clover can improve pastures because of

nitrogen fixation. “It will fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plant can use,” he said.

“Clover is highly digestible and is higher in total digestible nutrients than most grasses,” Alison said. “Total season forage

production from pastures overseeded with clover can be as high as grass fertilized with 100 pounds per acre of nitrogen. Clover

often lacks the persistence, but some recently released clover varieties had persistence as a selection criteria,” he said.

Also at the meeting, Ted Miller, who raises dairy cattle near Baskin, talked about his use of the leader-follower system for

controlled grazing. “Pasture planted in clover is first grazed in spring by lactating cows because they have higher nutrient

needs. Then, the pasture is grazed by bred heifers in mid-gestation,” Miller said. Open breeding-age heifers are given first

priority in the fall, followed by bred cows and heifers. To avoid using a drill planter, seed is broadcast in late summer where

cattle are grazing. “We’re finding that trampling impact is giving us some impressive germination,” Miller said. “We’re learning

that cows’ hooves do a good job of planting grass.” - Writer: Bruce Schultz at 337-788-8821 or bschultz@agcenter.lsu.edu

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2017 Beef Cow Herd Dynamics — The beef cow herd began recent expansion in 2014 growing 0.75 percent followed by

more significant growth in 2015 (2.95 percent) and in 2016 (3.46 percent). From the January, 2014 low of 29.1 million head,

the herd has expanded by 2.1 million head to the January, 2017 level of 31.2 million head. There are numerous indicators that

herd expansion continued in 2017. The answer will come with the Cattle report issued by USDA-NASS in late January.

The potential for herd growth starts with available replacement heifers. On January 1, 2017, 6.4 million replacement heifers

were reported, representing 20.6 percent of the beef cow inventory. This was the third largest replacement heifer percentage,

down just slightly from the two prior years. Of the total replacement heifers, 4.0 million were expected to calve in 2017. This

was a record number of reported heifers calving since this data became available in 2001. These numbers confirm

considerable potential for herd expansion and indicated producer intentions to continue adding to cow inventories. The

question is whether producers have adjusted their intentions during the year. Open replacement heifers can be easily diverted

into feeder markets if producers’ expectations have changed.

Changes in the beef cow herd are a function of the pace of heifer retention relative to the pace of cull cow slaughter. Heifer

slaughter provides a delayed indication of heifer retention. Year to date heifer slaughter through late November was up 12.3

percent year over year. This follows from the jump in quarterly heifers on feed, up 10.6 percent in July and 13.0 percent year

over year in October. However, even with the increase in heifer slaughter, the ratio of steer to heifer slaughter remains well

above historical levels. Heifer slaughter was squeezed dramatically in 2015 and 2016 and, although it is increasing, has yet to

return to normal levels relative to steer slaughter.

Beef cow slaughter is up 10.1 percent in 2017 through late November. This follows a 13.7 percent year over year increase in

cow slaughter in 2016. Part of the increase in cow slaughter is simply due to herd growth since 2014. However, like heifer

slaughter, beef cow slaughter was sharply reduced in 2014-2016 as a part of jumpstarting herd expansion. Net beef cow culling

was a record low 7.6 percent in 2015. Sustained below-average culling rates in 2014-2016 were possible following above

average culling rates from 2008-2013, including drought-forced liquidation that removed many older cows, and allowed a

period of reduced culling as herd expansion began. If the current beef cow slaughter pace continues through the end of the

year, the 2017 beef cow culling rate will be 9.0 percent, still below but close to the long term average of 9.6 percent. In other

words, the industry is returning to normal beef cow culling rates. Both heifer and beef cow slaughter are consistent with

continued but slowing herd expansion.

There seems little doubt that herd expansion continued in 2017, albeit at a slower pace than 2016. The jump in heifer and beef

cow slaughter both reflect a return to more typical relative slaughter rates. I am currently estimating that the 2018 beef cow

herd will be up 1.5-2.0 percent over January, 2017. Expansion rates above or below this level are possible, though expansion

above 2.5 percent is difficult to reconcile with current numbers. Expansion slower than 1.5 percent is, of course, possible but it

would suggest that an unusually large percentage of pregnant heifers available on January 1 did not in fact enter the herd. This

begs the question of what happened to them in that situation. The annual cattle inventory numbers in the January report are

eagerly anticipated, not only to confirm what happened to the beef cow herd in 2017 but for indications of what lies ahead in

2018. — Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

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Thistles — If left uncontrolled, thick thistle stands can reduce grazing and result in

less forage production. A single thistle plant can produce at least 4,000 seeds, which

increases the chance for higher thistle populations in the pasture the following year.

Consequently, management practices need to be conducted prior to flower formation

for effective thistle control. Even if thistles have not infested your pasture in the past,

it is ideal that your pastures are scouted in late fall through mid-spring (November to

March) to ensure that thistles do not get out of control. New infestations are easier to

manage than large-scale populations.

Although there are at several different species of thistle, most are closely related and

control recommendations will not differ. Best time to control with a herbicide is when

thistles are in the rosette stage. The rosette stage is when the thistle forms a low-

growing ring of leaves. As they mature they are harder to control and may require

higher rates of herbicide to have effective control.

Select Herbicide Options:

Weedmaster

2,4-D

GrazonNext HL

Remedy

PastureGard

Cimarron Max (for bermudagrass

pastures, will control bahiagrass!)

Mature thistle in pasture

Thistle in rosette stage

REMEMBER: THE LABEL IS THE LAW! Always read the pesticide

label before using.

Used with permission — Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Forage Fax

Private Pesticide Applicator License Holders: Don’t forget to check the expiration date on your license!

If it will be expiring March 31, 2018, check with your local LSU AgCenter office to find a recertification

session near you!

The Major Livestock and Poultry Market Concern — For the next two years, the major market outlook issue or headwind for

all the U.S. livestock and poultry markets is the sheer tonnage of product that will be produced. In both 2018 and 2019, forecasts call

for record large total U.S. red meat and poultry output. It is important to note that even though many consumers do some

substituting between categories, it is not one-for-one. That is, for example, in the overall retail marketplace one pound of beef does

not substitute for that same amount of chicken.

For 2015 through 2017, U.S. production of red meats (beef, pork, lamb, and veal) plus poultry (chicken and turkey) set a new record

high each year. In 2017, LMIC projects output will be 2.5% larger than 2016's. U.S. production of beef this year is projected to be the

largest since 2011, while both pork and chicken set all-time highs.

Putting 2017's tonnage into context by adjusting for U.S. population growth, international trade (quantity of products exported and

imported), and frozen stocks carried-over from one year to the next, gives per person domestic market disappearance. That per

capita calculation does not remove meat and poultry (skeletal muscle) in pet foods. Estimated per capita retail weight disappearance

of beef in 2017 will be the largest since 2012, pork essentially unchanged compared to 2016, and chicken a new record high. On a

retail weight basis, 2017's total red meat and poultry disappearance is projected by the LMIC at 115.5 pounds per person, up 1.6

pounds from a year ago. Forecasts for 2018 and 2019 are for 218.5 and 220.9 pounds per capita, respectively. If realized, both those

years would be the largest since 2007's. Those levels are not unprecedented, but the 2019 forecast is only one pound below the

record high set in 2004. — Livestock Marketing Information Center

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USDA Surveying Cattle Operations — In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics

Service (NASS) will survey about 40,000 cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle

inventories.

“This information helps producers make timely, informed business decisions and plan for herd expansion or reduc-

tion. It also helps packers and government leaders evaluate expected slaughter volume for future months and deter-

mine potential supplies for export,” said Kathy Broussard, State Statistician, Louisiana Field Office. “Obtaining the

current count of cattle will serve as an important decision-making tool for the entire agriculture industry.”

During the first two weeks of January, Louisiana producers will have the opportunity to report their beef and dairy

cattle inventories, calf crop, death loss and cattle on feed information. To make it as easy as possible for producers

to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding via the Internet, telephone, mail or a personal in-

terview with a local NASDA representative.

NASS safeguards the privacy of all responses and publishes only state- and national-level data in aggregate, ensuring

that no individual producer or operation can be identified.

The January Cattle report will be released on January 31, 2018. This and all NASS reports are available online at

www.nass.usda.gov. For more information, please call NASS Delta Regional Office at (800) 327-2970

Ag Expo Features Equipment, Technology, Horses and More — Ag Expo returns to the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West

Monroe on January 19 & 20. This popular regional event is educational, presents the best in new equipment, and provides

networking opportunities for the farming and rural communities. Visitors can learn about beekeeping, sample commodities,

and see a huge variety of animals and much more.

The Jr. Livestock Show, coordinated by the LSU AgCenter, expects almost 200 youth to participate, showing the 400+ animals

they have raised. The youth will be competing for cash and prizes in market and breeding categories.

The returning Horse Breed Extravaganza will feature 20+ breeds of horses on exhibition and owners anxious to share their love

of horses. Many of the breeds will be featured in horsemanship demonstrations.

Also featured at the show will be a Miniature Zebu Cow Show, and the returning Stock Dog Competition. Both of these events

are featured on Friday only.

The LSU AgCenter Educational Alleys will focus on cotton, gardening and beekeeping, plus the ever popular Mini-Farm, where

children large and small enjoy seeing and touching baby animals, including chicks, calves, kids, and piglets. Entergy’s

Educational Pavilion will feature a variety of short seminars on such diverse topics as basic composting, herb gardening, drones,

beekeeping and wine and food pairings.

A Master Gardener Program and Forestry Forum, both coordinated by the LSU AgCenter and held at the West Monroe

Convention Center, will return. Contact 318.323.2251 for registration and other details.

The core of Ag Expo is its trade show, which will feature approximately 120 exhibitors. Farm Equipment, technology, services

and samples of our commodities will all be there. Ag Expo is a family show.

Each year, more than 10,000 attend from throughout Louisiana and adjacent regions of Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.

Exhibitors come from all over the United States.

Ag Expo is sponsored each year by the North Louisiana Agri-Business Council, with extensive cooperation from the LSU

AgCenter, LA Tech University, ULM, Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, Monsanto, Entergy and many more corporate and

media sponsors. Complete information, including admission fees and event schedules, can be found at www.agexpo.org or by

calling 318.355.2495.

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What to watch and what to manage in 2018 — Continued growth in beef production in 2018 is likely to pressure cattle

and beef prices. Cattle producers have a number of economic conditions to watch that will indicate the impact of factors they

cannot control and that will have implications for those factors they do control.

Domestic and international beef demand will continue to be critical factors affecting cattle and beef prices in 2018. The U.S.

economy is currently strong with low unemployment and a stock market supported by lots of cash from earlier Federal Reserve

stimulus. Economic growth has been rather plodding but steady over the past few years. Though inflationary fears have not

yet materialized, the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates in 2017 as the economy gained strength. The recent tax cuts

and proposed infrastructure investments could provide additional fiscal stimulus that adds to inflation concerns. This may

pressure the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates more and faster in 2018 and beyond. Though no major change is expected

at this time, macroeconomic conditions are a factor to watch in 2018.

Record beef production is expected to combine with growing pork and poultry production to result in record total meat

supplies in 2018. Wholesale and retail beef prices held up well to growing meat production in 2017, indicating strong beef

demand and there is no indication it is changing going into 2018. However, ample meat supplies will continue to be a demand

challenge for beef in the coming year. Pork and poultry production and trade are factors to watch this year.

Beef trade provided much support for cattle and beef markets in 2017, led by growth in beef exports. Modest beef export

growth is expected to continue in 2018 assuming no change in trade policy. However, the cloud of uncertainty due to NAFTA

renegotiations continues to hang over meat markets. Beef, pork and poultry exports to Mexico and Canada represented 31

percent of total U.S. meat exports and included 26 percent of total beef exports for the first ten months of 2017. Both the U.S.

and South Korea have suggested a possible renegotiation of KORUS-FTA, which could impact the number two beef export

market. International beef markets and trade policy are also factors to watch in 2018.

Domestic and international beef demand will determine cattle and beef price pressure relative to increasing beef

production. Modest price pressure is expected at this time but any threat to demand would quickly result in additional price

weakness. Larger down-side price risk means that risk management takes on an added importance in 2018. While cattle

producers cannot have much impact on overall market price levels, they may be able to reduce the risk of lower individual

prices with risk management tools.

Producers will have challenges to maintain profitability in 2018. Lower prices increase the likelihood of lower revenue and puts

additional emphasis on production and cost management in the coming year. The beginning of a new year is a good time to

evaluate all aspects of cattle operations for the coming year including major budget items such as forage management and use;

harvested and supplemental feed use; and machinery costs. Overall production costs are expected to remain stable in 2018,

though rising interest rates may impact debt management at some point. Maintaining profitability this year in the face of lower

prices will require increased production and/or reduced costs.

Cattle producers are watching a variety of external factors that may impact cattle and beef markets this year while focusing

management on resource use and cost of production. Profitability will likely be squeezed but decent returns are possible in

2018. Best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year! — Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock

Marketing Specialist

The Importance of Energy — Managing the feed and forage resources during extremely cold periods is critical to the cow

herd. To combat cold stress, the animal must increase its metabolic rate to supply more body heat. This increases dietary

requirements, particularly for energy. In Louisiana, our base is forage. Therefore, if we assume an average grass hay containing

10.8% crude protein (CP) and 54.6% total digestible nutrients (TDN), a 1200 pound lactating cow will consume (daily)

approximately 3.24 pounds of CP and 16.38 pounds of TDN. Based on Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle, we know that she

requires 3.00 pounds of CP and 17.60 pounds of TDN daily. With this particular grass hay, we are borderline adequate in CP and

1.22 pounds deficient in TDN. In order for her to maintain body weight, we must supplement her with an energy source.

Approximately 1 Lb. rolled corn = .88 Lbs. TDN; 1 Lb. soybean meal = .84 Lbs. TDN; 1 Lb. whole cottonseed = .93 Lbs. TDN; 1 Lb.

cottonseed meal = .77 Lbs. TDN. For more information on winter feeding, give me a call. — Jason E. Holmes, LSU AgCenter

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January - February Beef Cattle Management Tips:

Below are some all-purpose management tips in an abbreviated format that cattle producers should consider for the months indicated.

“General” management tips are intended to fit all situations while the “spring calving - January, February, March” and “fall calving -

October, November, December” tips are for those specific calving programs. Some producers are likely aware of each tip and have incorpo-

rated many into their management programs. Other producers may find these tips to be suggestions to consider in their future manage-

ment. Regardless, every producer will have to consider how a specific tip might be adapted to fit their individual situation, and some

modification of the times provided will be expected. Severe environmental conditions will also dictate some modification of the tips

depending on the severity in each location. A more detailed description of management opportunities can be found in numerous AgCenter

publications available in the local parish extension office or on the web. Additional scheduling and management details in a worksheet

format are available on-line from the LSU AgCenter in the Monthly Beef Cattle Management Calendar & Workbook at:

http://text.lsuagcenter.com/en/crops_livestock/livestock/beef_cattle/production_management/Workbook.

Month Management Tip

January general 1. Monitor body condition scores; adjust nutrition as needed

2. Maintain feeding groups to help meet nutritional needs

3. Monitor winter pasture stubble height; keep about 4”

4. Limit graze winter pastures to stretch pastures and hay supplies

5. Consider high magnesium minerals to prevent grass tetany on winter pastures

6. If weathered hay or grain co-products predominate in rations, consider a mineral supplement with higher Vitamin A levels

spring calving 1. Determine expecting calving dates to be ready for arrival of first calves

2. Monitor pregnant cows, especially first-calf heifers, as calving date approaches

3. Monitor replacements so they will be at 2/3 of mature weight at breeding

4. Be sure new-born calves are dried off, receive colostrum within 6 hours, and are provided protection from severe winter weather

5. Move pairs to clean pasture; monitor calves for scours

6. Maintain good calving records; birth date and weight, dam identification

7. Feed in the evening to encourage calving during daylight hours

fall calving 1. Calculate final calving percentage

2. Feed high quality hay / forage to lactating cows

3. Establish breeding season by putting bulls out with cows or beginning A.I.

February general 1. Monitor body condition scores to help ensure good rebreeding and calf perfor-mance

2. Evaluate remaining winter feed supplies; adjust usage or purchasing plans

3. Take soil samples from summer pastures and hay fields

4. Begin to plan for summer fertilization program based on soil tests; consider availability and cost of fertilizer sources

5. Continue high magnesium minerals on winter pastures

6. Continue high Vitamin A if weathered hay or grain co-products predominate in rations

7. If in good body condition, consider marketing cull cows as market improves

8. Begin review of haying equipment needs, repairs, and supplies

9. If conditions allow, consider prescribed pasture burns to increase forage quality and reduce weeds and brush

table continued on next page

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If you received this newsletter via email you will continue to receive it unless you “unsubscribe.” To unsubscribe from or subscribe to this bi-monthly emailed newsletter, send an email to the address below with “subscribe” or “unsubscribe” in the subject line.

Jan.—Feb. 2018

Jason E. Holmes

Regional Livestock Specialist

County Agent

LSU AgCenter—Union Parish

318-368-2999 (office) / 318-243-4931

table continued from previous page

Month Management Tip

February spring calving 1. Consult with a veterinarian for pre-breeding vaccination needs

2. Finalize heifer selection on breeding goals, performance, soundness, and disposition

3. Determine number of bulls needed for upcoming breeding season

4. Make bull selections; see May-June 2011 newsletter for purchase price

comparisons

5. Arrange for breeding soundness evaluations

6. If using A.I., have ample semen and breeding supplies on hand

fall calving 1. Determine percentage of cows returning to heat 40 days into breeding season

2. Recheck bulls for breeding soundness if high percentage of cow return to heat

3. Monitor bull condition; adjust nutrition as needed

4. Consider limit-fed grain or winter pasture creep if cow lose excessive condition

Week of Week of Week of

Data Source: USDA-AMS Market News 12/29/2017 12/22/2017 12/30/2016

5-Area Fed Steer

all grades, live weight, $/cwt $ 119.97 $ 119.71 $ 117.44

all grades, dressed weight, $/cwt $ 190.32 $ 188.92 $ 188.86

Boxed Beef

Choice Price, 600-900 lb., $/cwt $ 202.35 $ 200.14 $ 201.79

Choice-Select Spread, $/cwt $ 11.06 $ 14.22 $ 9.01

500-600 lb. Feeder Steer

Price

Mississippi statewide market average, M&L #1-2, $/cwt $ 147.00 ---

Missouri statewide market average, M&L #1, $/cwt --- $ 171.13 ---

Oklahoma City market average, M&L #1, $/cwt $ 174.56 $ 174.56 ---

Feed Grains

Corn, Kansas City, $/bu $ 3.37 $ 3.36 ---

Corn, Pine Bluff, AR, $/bu $ 3.50

DDGS, Eastern Corn Belt, $/ton $ 148.00 $ 142.50 ---

Soybean Meal, Rail, Central IL, $/ton $ 309.30 $ 309.70 $ 322.30

Cottonseed Meal, Memphis, $/ton $ 232.50 ---

Whole Cottonseed, Memphis, $/ton $ 150.00 ---