High Plains slaughter cattle sales report

High Plains weighted average direct slaughter cattle sales for the week ending Dec. 23, totaled 70,273 head selling, compared to 60,044 head a week ago and 89,618 head last year, according to the USDA Livestock, Poultry and Grain Market News Division, St. Joseph, Missouri.

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

Steers: Live FOB basis, over 80% Choice, 14,626 head, 1,300 to 1,650 lbs., 115.00 to 120.50 (118.67); 65 to 80% Choice, 11,150 head, 1,285 to 1,565 lbs., 118.00 to 119.00 (118.99); 35 to 65% Choice, 521 head, 1,235 to 1,420 lbs., 117.00 to 119.00 (118.76). Dressed delivered basis, over 80% Choice, 7,817 head, 793 to 1,005 lbs., 187.50 to 190.00 (189.96); 65 to 80% Choice, 3,121 head, 796 to 946 lbs., 189.00 to 190.00 (189.97). Live delivered basis, over 80% Choice, 868 head, 1,350 to 1,575 lbs., 117.50 to 120.80 (119.22). Dressed FOB basis, over 80% Choice, 900 head, 875 to 984 lbs., 186.00 to 190.00 (188.54).

Heifers: Live FOB basis, over 80% Choice, 7,914 head, 1,225 to 1,565 lbs., 118.00 to 120.00 (118.88); 65 to 80% Choice, 3,162 head, 1,170 to 1,430 lbs., 118.00 to 119.00 (118.84); 35 to 65% Choice, 139 head, 1,175 to 1,250 lbs., 117.00 to 119.00 (118.08). Dressed delivered basis, over 80% Choice, 6,491 head, 769 to 909 lbs., 187.00 to 190.00 (189.93); 65 to 80% Choice, 723 head, 768 to 845 lbs., 190.00. Live delivered basis, over 80% Choice, 797 head, 1,300 to 1,375 lbs., 119.00 to 120.50 (119.41). Dressed FOB basis, over 80% Choice, 498 head, 826 to 899 lbs., 187.00 to 190.00 (189.76).