High Plains slaughter cattle sales report

High Plains weekly weighted average direct slaughter cattle sales for the week ending Dec. 16, totaled 60,044 head selling, compared to 105,959 head a week ago and 93,870 head last year, according to the USDA Livestock, Poultry and Grain Market News Division, St. Joseph, Missouri.

The report was based on sales in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa and Minnesota feedlots.

Steers: Live FOB basis, over 80% Choice, 8,936 head, 1,280 to 1,635 lbs., 114.50 to 119.00 (117.75); 65 to 80% Choice, 10,328 head, 1,250 to 1,550 lbs., 116.00 to 119.00 (118.30); 35 to 65% Choice, 2,373 head, 1,285 to 1,585 lbs., 118.00 to 119.00 (118.96). Dressed delivered basis, over 80% Choice, 8,428 head, 851 to 998 lbs., 185.00 to 191.00 (187.49); 65 to 80% Choice, 2,926 head, 778 to 969 lbs., 188.00. Live delivered basis, over 80% Choice, 956 head, 1,375 to 1,500 lbs., 118.00 to 120.05 (118.65). Dressed FOB basis, over 80% Choice, 602 head, 945 to 1,052 lbs., 180.00 to 187.00 (183.95).

Heifers: Live FOB basis, over 80% Choice, 3,676 head, 1,145 to 1,500 lbs., 116.00 to 119.00 (118.36); 65 to 80% Choice, 4,133 head, 1,145 to 1,375 lbs., 116.00 to 119.00 (118.62); 35 to 65% Choice, 1,350 head, 1,170 to 1,250 lbs., 119.00. Dressed delivered basis, over 80% Choice, 4,058 head, 766 to 956 lbs., 185.00 to 188.00 (187.60); 65 to 80% Choice, 1,581 head, 772 to 855 lbs., 187.00 to 188.00 (187.85). Live delivered basis, over 80% Choice, 1,134 head, 1,200 to 1,385 lbs., 116.50 to 120.05 (119.13). Dressed FOB basis, over 80% Choice, 41 head, 809 lbs., 187.00.