March 10, 2017
CapitalPress.com
Farm Market Report
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Hay Market Reports
Potato Market Reports
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • St. Joseph, Mo.-Portland
Compiled by North American Potato Market News and USDA
Agricultural Market Service
Hay prices are dollars per ton or dollars per bale when sold to
retail outlets. Basis is current delivery FOB barn or stack, or deliv-
ered customer as indicated. Grade guidelines used in this report
have the following relationship to Relative Feed Value (RFV), Acid
Detergent Fiber (ADF), TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients), or Crude
Protein (CP) test numbers:
Grade
RFV
ADF
TDN
CP
Supreme 185+
<27
55.9+
22+
Premium 170-185
27-29
54.5-55.9
20-22
Good
150-170
29-32
52.5-54.5
18-20
Fair
130-150
32-35
50.5-52.5
16-18
Utility
<130
36+
<50.5
<16
WASHINGTON-OREGON HAY
(Columbia Basin)
(USDA Market News)
Moses Lake, Wash.
March 3
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
2,700
2,100
2,750
Compared to Feb. 24: Export and domestic Alfalfa steady in a light
test. Trade slow to moderate with good demand. Demand remains
excellent for feeder hay for immediate shipment and payment.
Some roads are closed due to weight restrictions in the trade area.
Retail/Feedstore not tested this week.
Tons Price
Alfalfa Mid Square
Premium
1200 $115
Good
500
$110
Fair
300
$85
400
$117
Timothy Grass Mid Square
Fair
100
$120
Bluegrass Straw Mid Square Fair
200
$55
OREGON AREA HAY
(USDA Market News)
Portland, Ore.
March 3
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
2,034
2,447
651
Compared to Feb. 24: Prices trended generally steady in a limited
test compared to week ago prices. Most demand lies with the retail/
stable hay. According to some producers, horse owners prefer lower
sugar, higher protein hay. Many producers are sold out for the year.
Tons Price
CROOK, DESCHUTES, JEFFERSON, WASCO COUNTIES
Alfalfa Small Square
Good/Prem. 66
$200-210
Meadow Grass Small Square Premium
25
$210
Oat Small Square
Good/Prem. 50
$160
EASTERN OREGON
Alfalfa Large Square
Alfalfa/Orchard Mix Small
Square
HARNEY COUNTY
Alfalfa Large Square
KLAMATH BASIN
Alfalfa Small Square
LAKE COUNTY
Alfalfa Large Square
Small Square
Pea/Barley/Wheat/Oat
Large Square
Triticale Large Square
Premium
30
$140
Good/Prem. 22
$165
Supreme
56
$170
Premium
Good
25
10
$175
$140
Supreme
Prem./Sup.
Good
Premium
1100
90
50
50
$270-290
$160
$110
$160
Good/Prem. 60
$105
Good
400
$100
CALIFORNIA HAY
(USDA Market News)
Moses Lake, Wash.
March 3
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
7,575
3,050
4,710
Compared to Feb. 24: All classes traded steady with moderate
demand. According the U.S. Drought Monitor, two or more inches
of precipitation fell across parts of the Northern California coast,
the Sierra Nevada, and San Diego County regions, while less than
an inch was recorded in other areas.
Rain during the last day of this week gave Southern California
and southwest Arizona a good soaking, with rainfall amounts 0.5-
2.0 inches over parts of Arizona and over 5 inches over parts of
San Diego County in California. In the mountains of San Diego
County, Palomar Observatory reported 9.04 inches of precipita-
tion.
Tons Price
REGION 1: NORTHERN INTERMOUNTAIN
Includes the counties of Siskiyou, Modoc, Shasta, Lassen, and
Plumas.
Alfalfa
Prem./Sup. 150
$195
Orchard Grass
Prem./Sup. 25
$290
Premium
25
$180
Oat
Good
25
$75
REGION 2: SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Includes the counties of Tehama, Glenn, Butte, Colusa, Sutter,
Yuba, Sierra, Nevada, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Solano, Sacramento.
Alfalfa
Premium
300
$190-220
Orchard Grass
Good
50
$120
Oat
Good
75
$100
Rice Straw
Good
75
$62.50
REGION 3: NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Includes the counties of San Joaquin, Calaveras, Stanislaus, Tu-
olumne, Mono, Merced and Mariposa.
Alfalfa
Supreme
150
$250
Prem./Sup. 150
$225
Premium
50
$200
25
$240
150
$240
150
$220-230
Good/Prem. 50
$200
75
$218-220
Good
25
$172
25
$200
Fair
50
$110
REGION 4: CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Includes the counties of Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Inyo.
Alfalfa
Supreme
700
$255
REGION 5: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Includes the counties of Kern, Northeast Los Angeles, and West-
ern San Bernardino.
Alfalfa
Premium
300
$200
Forage Mix-Three Way
Good
50
$190
REGION 6: SOUTHEAST CALIFORNIA
Includes the counties of Eastern San Bernardino, Riverside, and
Imperial.
Alfalfa
Prem./Sup. 300
$175
Premium
4000 $180
150
$180
Bermuda Grass
Premium
50
$175
Good
400
$80
IDAHO HAY
(USDA Market News)
Moses Lake, Wash.
March 3
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
2,750
300
4,900
Compared to Feb. 24: Feeder Alfalfa steady in a light test. Trade
slow with very good demand as supplies are in firm hands.
Tons Price
Alfalfa Mid Square
Fair/Good 200
$100
350
$125-145
Fair
2000 $85
200
$80
Grain Market Reports
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • Portland
Grains are stated in dollars per bushel or hundredweight (cwt.)
except feed grains traded in dollars per ton. National grain report
bids are for rail delivery unless truck indicated.
CALIFORNIA GRAINS
(USDA Market News)
Portland
March 2
Prices in dollars per cwt., bulk Inc.= including; Nom.= nominal;
Ltd.= limited; Ind.= indicated; NYE=Not fully estimated.
GRAIN DELIVERED
Mode
Destination
Price per cwt.
BARLEY – U.S. No. 2 (46-lbs. per bushel)
FOB
Kern County
NA
Truck
Petaluma-Santa Rosa
NA
Kings-Tulare-Fresno Counties
$8.70
Colusa County
NA
CORN-U.S. No. 2 Yellow
Turlock-Tulare
8.88
FOB
Modesto-Oakdale-Turlock
NA
Kings-Tulare-Fresno
$7.65-8.25
Rail
Single Car Units via BNSF
Chino Valley-Los Angeles
$8.85
Truck
Petaluma-Santa Rosa
NA
Stockton-Modesto-Oakdale-Turlock $9.19
Los Angeles-Chino Valley
NA
Kings-Tulare-Fresno Counties
$9.19
Glenn County
$8.45
SORGHUM-U.S. No. 2 Yellow
Rail
Los Angeles-Chino Valley
via BNSF Single
$8.53
OATS-U.S. No. 2 White
Truck
Petaluma
NA
Stockton-Modesto-Oakdale-Turlock NA
WHEAT-U.S. Durum Wheat
Truck
Kern County
NA
WHEAT-Any Class for Feed
FOB
Tulare
NA
Truck/Rail Los Angeles-Chino Valley
NA
Truck
Petaluma-Santa Rosa
$9.35
Stockton-Modesto-Oakdale-Turlock $8.75
King-Tulare-Fresno Counties
$9.50
Fresno
NA
Merced County
NA
Colusa County
NA
Kern County
NA
Prices paid to California farmers, seven-day reporting period end-
ing March 3:
YELLOW CORN, U.S. No. 2 or better
Glenn
$8.45
Spot
Del Locally
PORTLAND GRAIN
(USDA Market News)
Portland
March 3
PACIFIC NORTHWEST MARKET SUMMARY
Cash wheat bids for March delivery ended the reporting week
on Thursday, March 2, were mixed, compared to Feb. 23 bids for
March delivery.
May wheat futures ended the reporting week on Thursday, March
2, lower as follows compared to Feb. 23 closes: Chicago wheat
futures were 0.75 of a cent lower at $4.5275, Kansas City wheat
futures were 1.25 cents lower at $4.7025 and Minneapolis wheat
futures trended 0.25 of a cent lower at $5.53. Chicago May corn
futures trended seven cents higher at $3.7950 and May soybean
futures closed 14.75 cents higher at $10.3725.
Bids for U.S. 1 Soft White Wheat delivered to Portland in unit
trains or barges during March for ordinary protein trended 0.75 of a
cent to 3.75 cents higher compared to week ago prices for the same
delivery period at $4.7275-4.8775. Some exporters were not issuing
bids for nearby delivery.
White club wheat premiums were zero to 15 cents per bushel over
soft white wheat bids this week and last week.
One year ago bids for U.S. 1 Soft White Wheat any protein for
March delivery by unit trains and barges to Portland were not avail-
able and bids for White Club Wheat were also not available.
Forward month bids for soft white wheat ordinary protein were as
follows: April and May $4.7275-4.8775, June $4.77-4.82 and August
New Crop $4.73-4.8125.
One year ago, forward month bids for soft white wheat for any pro-
tein were as follows: April through August New Crop not available.
Bids for U.S. 1 Soft White Wheat guaranteed maximum 10.5 per-
cent protein during March trended 3.75 to 12.75 cents higher com-
pared to week ago price for the same delivery period at $4.7275-
4.9275. Some exporters were not issuing bids for nearby delivery.
White club wheat premiums for guaranteed maximum 10.5 per-
cent protein soft white wheat this week were zero to 10 cents per
bushel over soft white wheat bids this week and last week.
One year ago bids for U.S. 1 Soft White Wheat guaranteed maxi-
mum 10.5 percent protein for March delivery by unit trains and barg-
es to Portland were $5.43-5.4525 and bids for White Club Wheat
were $5.95-6.43.
Forward month bids for soft white wheat guaranteed 10.5 percent
proteins were as follows: April and May $4.7275-4.9275 and August
New Crop $4.80-4.8125.
One year ago, forward month bids for soft white wheat for any
protein were as follows: April and May $5.4025-5.49, June $5.5125-
5.54 and August New Crop $5-5.1625.
Bids for 11.5 percent protein U.S. 1 Hard Red Winter Wheat
for March delivery were 2.50 cents per bushel higher compared
to last week’s noon bids for the same delivery period. Some ex-
porters were not issuing bids for nearby delivery. This week, bids
were as follows: March $5.5025-5.7525, April $5.5025-5.6025,
May $5.5025- 5.5525, June $5.5675-5.6675 and August New Crop
$5.5550-5.7050.
Bids for non-guaranteed 14.0 percent protein U.S. 1 Dark North-
ern Spring Wheat for Portland delivery during March were steady
to six cents per bushel lower than Feb. 23 noon bids for the same
delivery period. Some exporters were not issuing bids for nearby de-
livery. Bids for non-guaranteed 14 percent protein were as follows:
March and April $6.53-6.88, May $6.63-6.88, June $6.6875-6.8375
and August New Crop $6.7950-6.8450.
COARSE FEEDING GRAINS
Bids for U.S. 2 Yellow Corn delivered full coast Pacific North-
west - BN shuttle trains for March delivery trended four to 24 cents
higher from $4.6950-5.0450. Some exporters were not issuing bids
for nearby delivery. Forward month corn bids were as follows: April
$4.5650-4.6950, May $4.5050-4.5650, June and July $4.5725-
4.5825.
Bids for U.S. 1 Yellow Soybeans delivered full coast Pacific North-
west-BNSF shuttle trains for March delivery trended 22.75 to 26.75
cents higher from $11.0325-11.1225.
Some exporters were not issuing bids for nearby delivery. For-
ward month soybean bids were as follows: April and May $10.9725,
October $11.1175 and November $11.0575. Bids for U.S. 2 Heavy
White Oats for March delivery trended steady at $3.2650 per bushel.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST EXPORT NEWS
There were 42 grain vessels in Columbia River ports on Thursday,
March 2, with six docked compared to 36 last week with five docked.
There were no new confirmed export sales from the Commodity
Credit Corporation (CCC) of the USDA.
Livestock Auctions
Cattle prices in dollars per hundredweight (cwt.)
except some replacement animals per pair or
head as indicated.
Washington
TOPPENISH
(Toppenish Livestock Auction)
(USDA Market News)
Moses Lake, Wash.
March 3
This week
Last week
Last year
3,200
1,540
2,800
Compared to Feb. 24 at the same market:
Stocker and feeder cattle $5-6 higher. Trade
very active with very good demand and good
buyer attendance. Slaughter cows $5-7 higher.
Slaughter bulls steady to firm. Trade very active
with very good demand. Slaughter cows 42 per-
cent, Slaughter bulls 5 percent, and feeders 53
percent of the supply. The feeder supply included
42 percent steers and 75 percent heifers. Near 75
percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs. Replace-
ment Cows: Pre-tested for pregnancy, and age.
Feeder Steers: Medium and Large 1-2: 400-
500 lbs. $153-156; 500-600 lbs. $140-150; 500-
600 lbs. $159.75-166, Thin Fleshed; 600-700 lbs.
$128-140; 600-700 lbs. $123.75-127.75, Full;
600-700 lbs. $141.75-146, Thin Fleshed; 700-800
lbs. $120-128; 800-900 lbs. $120-124.50. Large
1-2: 900-1000 lbs. $118-121.
Feeder Heifers: Medium and Large 1-2: 400-
500 lbs. $130-136; 500-600 lbs. $131-142.50;
500-600 lbs. $120-128.75, Full; 600-700 lbs.
$125-137.50; 600-700 lbs. $122-124.50, Full;
700-800 lbs. $116-126; 800-900 lbs. $117.85-119.
Small and Medium 1-2: 300-400 lbs. $110; 600-
700 lbs. $124.50. Small 4: 400-500 lbs. $82.50,
Brahman X.
Slaughter Cows: Boners 80-85 percent lean
1400-2200 lbs. $64-69; Lean 85-90 percent lean
1100-1900 lbs. $62-67; Lean Light 90 percent
lean 900-1300 lbs. $51-56.
Slaughter Bulls: Yield Grade 1-2 few 1800-2300
lbs. $69-75.
Bred Heifers (Per Head): Medium and Large
1-2: Few 932 lbs. 800 6-9 mos.
Bred Cows (Per Head): Medium and Large 1-2:
Young (4-5 yrs. old) 1153 lbs. $1200 6-9 mos.;
Young to Mid-Aged (4-8 yrs. old) 973 lbs. $725
3-6 mos.; Mid-Aged (6-8 yrs. old) 1300 lbs. $1085
6-9 mos.; Aged 1400 lbs. $1000 6-9 mos. Bred.
Oregon
LEBANON
(Lebanon Auction Yard)
March 2
Total Receipts: 247.
Top conventional cow $77, Top 10 avg. $72.39,
avg. all $54.70.
Top conventional bull: $86.
Top organic cow: $88; Top 10 avg. $83.34, avg
all $64.18.
Organic bull: $89.
Feeder Heifers: 500-600 lbs. $120-131.
Goat: $130-165 per head.
VALE
(Producers Livestock Market)
Feb. 22
Total receipts: 1345 head.
Comments: $3-7 cwt higher market on the
calves under 600 lbs, mostly due to the lighter
flesh (green). Due to the extreme weather condi-
tions in this area, which is favorable to the buyer.
Butcher cow and bull prices higher also.
Steer calves: 300-400 lbs. $157-187; 400-500
lbs. $155-183; 500-600 lbs. $140-161.
Heifer calves: 300-400 lbs. $147-162; 400-500
lbs. $132-158; 500-600 lbs. $125-141.
Yearling steers: 600-700 lbs. $128-140; 700-
800 lbs. $119-129; 800-900 lbs. $116-125; 900-
1000 lbs. $110-118.
Yearling heifers: 600-700 lbs. $116-128; 700-
800 lbs. $110-121; 800-900 lbs. $104-111.
Light Holstein steers, 600 lbs. and under: NA.
Light Holstein steers, 700 lbs. and over: NA.
Stock cows: NA.
Butcher cows: $58-65.
Thin shelly cows: NA.
Butcher bulls: NA.
WOODBURN
(Woodburn Livestock Auction)
Feb. 28
Total receipts: 772.
Top 10 slaughter cows $69.01; top 50 slaughter
cows $63.71; top 100 slaughter cows $57.29
Back to the country cows: $70.
Certified cows: $80-140.
Top certified organic cattle: $70. All certified
organic cattle average price: $47.
All slaughter bulls: $53-91.50.
Top beef steers: 200-300 lbs. $100-130; 600-
700 lbs. $98-120.
Top beef heifers: 400-500 lbs. $105-116; 500-
600 lbs. $100-117.50; 600-700 lbs. $90-112.
Cow/calf pairs: NT. Bred cows: NT. Day-old
beef cross calves: $117.50-160 per head. Day-
old dairy calves: $2-50 per head.
Hogs: Block hogs $48-115; feeder pigs $30-100
per head; sows $5-67.
Sheep: Lambs 40-70 lbs. $165-200.10, 75-150
lbs. $30-98; thin ewes $110-185; fleshy ewes
$41-101; ewe/lamb pairs $57-77.50 head.
Goats: 10-40 lbs. $25-65; 40-70 lbs. $50-
152.50; 70-150 lbs. $135-250.
California
Calvy cows: Full mouth $1,000-1,400; 1 good
young set $1,700. Broken mouth $775-1,050.
Pairs: Full mouth $1,500 to $1,900. Broken
mouth $1,100 to $1,575.
TURLOCK
(Turlock Livestock Auction Yard)
Turlock, Calif.
Feb. 21
Total receipts: 812 head.
Dairy replacements steady from a week ago.
Weigh Cows and Bull market 2-5 cents higher
with a week ago.
Springers: No. 1 Holstein springer $1600-1850;
No. 2 Holstein springer $1300-1575; No. 1 Jersey
springer $1450-1750; No. 2 Jersey cross springer
$1400-1750.
Weigh beef cows: High yielding $62-74; Med
yielding $47-61; Low yielding $30-46.
Weigh dairy cows: High yielding $62-72; Med
yielding $54-61; Low yielding $35-53.
Weigh bulls: High yielding $75-90; Med yielding
$58-74; Low yielding $50-57.
Holstein Barren Heifers; $62-78.
SHASTA
(Shasta Livestock Auction)
Cottonwood, Calif.
March 3
Current week Last week
1,849
407
Compared to Feb. 24: A good run of cattle and
good weather for our early spring special. Large
supply of cull animals$2-3 lower, especially on the
highest yielders. Strong demand on light cattle up
to $10 higher. Yearlings steady.
Slaughter cows: High yielding $61-69; Med
yielding $50-60; Low yielding $35-49.
Bulls 1 and 2: $55-74.
Feeder steers: 300-400 lbs. $160-171; 400-450
lbs. $160-174; 450-500 lbs. $155-173; 500-550
lbs. $135-155; 550-600 lbs. $130-155; 600-650
lbs. $122-142; 650-700 lbs. $120-131.50; 700-
750 lbs. $117-122.50; 750-800 lbs. $115-123;
800-900 lbs. $114-123.50; 900-1,000 lbs. $118.
Feeder heifers: 300-400 130-149; 400-450 lbs.
$130-147; 450-500 lbs. $127-147; 500-550 lbs.
$125-143.50; 550-600 lbs. $120-137.50; 600-650
lbs. $115-130; 650-700 lbs. $115-125; 700-750
lbs. $110-116; 750-800 lbs. $110-122.
CALDWELL
(Treasure Valley Livestock)
Feb. 24
Steers (wt.): 400-500 lbs. $74.25; 500-600
lbs. $72.25; 600-700 lbs. $47.50; 700-800 lbs.
$65.50; 800 lbs. and up $71.75.
Steers (hd.): 200-300 lbs. $160; 300-400 lbs.
$175; 400-500 lbs. $175.
Heifers (wt.): 500-600 lbs. $50; 600-700
lbs. $57.75; 700-800 lbs. $73.50; 800-900 lbs.
$75.25; 900-1000 lbs. $67.25; 1000-1100 lbs.
$71; 1100-1200 lbs. $67.25.
Heifers (hd.): 200-300 lbs. $85; 300-400 lbs.
$110; 500-600 lbs. $300.
Bull Calf (wt.): 300-400 lbs. $79; 400-500 lbs.
$74; 500-600 lbs. $62; 600-700 lbs. $77.
Cows (wt.): 900-1000 lbs. $36.50; 1000-1100
lbs. $47; 1100-1200 lbs. $55; 1200-1300 lbs.
$58; 1300-1400 lbs. $49.50; 1600-1700 lbs. $50;
1800-1900 lbs. $64.
Holstein Bulls (wt.): 1000-1100 lbs. $50; 1100-
1200 lbs. $58.
out and cow comfort is improving.
Bottling demand is following seasonal pat-
terns and there are adequate supplies of milk for
most processing needs.
Milk production in the mountain states of
Idaho, Utah and Colorado is below seasonal
patterns. Although cow comfort conditions are
improving, parts of Idaho are still dealing with
flooding and mud. In addition, another snow
storm blanketed parts of the region.
The moisture should assure the region of ad-
equate water supplies for the growing season
this year. However, there is still concern that
flooding damaged existing feedstocks and may
have drowned out some alfalfa fields. It may be
some time before the full impact of the flooding
is known.
Dry condensed skim is readily available, mov-
ing into nonfat dry milk and skim milk powder.
With the heavy supplies of cream in the West,
some manufacturers are clearing more cream
into butter. Others are processing their cream
intakes into ice cream, sour cream, and frozen
desserts. Cream multiples are still low, ranging
from 0.98 to 1.15. According to the DMN Na-
tional Retail Report-Dairy for the week of Feb.
24-March 2, the national weighted average
advertised price for one gallon of milk is $2.31,
down 31 cents from last week and 21 cents low-
er from a year ago.
The weighted average regional price in the
Southwest is $2.36, with a price range of $1.99-
2.79. There were no reported prices for gallon
milk in the Northwest this week.
Idaho
Dairy Report
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • Madison
FLUID MILK AND CREAM REVIEW - WEST
(USDA Market News)
Madison, Wis.
March 2
In the past weeks, dramatic storms in Califor-
nia have caused farm milk production to be flat
at a time where it is usually increasing.
Fortunately, mild temperatures and drier
weather are slowly replacing the showery
weather, increasing cow comfort and supporting
farm milk output and quality.
The request for bottled milk is up and milk is
currently available for all usages. Non-irrigated
pasture and rangeland are improving due to all
the recent rain and few sunny days.
According to the California Department
of Food and Agriculture, January 2017 pool
receipts of milk in the state total 3.23 billion
pounds. This is 1.4 percent lower compared to
the same month a year ago. The Value at Test
price is $17.35, $0.12 lower than the previous
month, but $2.58 above a year ago.
The percentage of receipts used in Class 1
products is 14.04 percent. The January quo-
ta price is $17.35 and the over quota price is
$15.65. These prices are $0.15 below last
month, but $2.21 higher from a year ago.
According to CDFA, January 2017 Class 1
sales in California totaled 54.7 million gallons,
up 0.7 percent from last month, but down 0.8
percent from the previous year.
Pacific Northwest dairy contacts say milk pro-
duction is increasing a little after stretches of
cold, wet weather. Wet ground is starting to dry
Prices are weekly averages of daily prices. All prices are in dollars per hundredweight (cwt.). FWA is a
weighted average of shipping point prices or common packs in each area. Weights differ by area. GRI is
the Grower Returns Index for each individual area.
FRESH RUSSET POTATO MARKET REPORT
(North American Potato Market News)
(USDA Market News)
March 4
Market commentary: Other Russet shipping areas came under pressure to adjust to Idaho’s consumer
bag price reductions.
SHIPPING AREA
FWA
Chg
GRI
Chg
70 ct
Chg
10 lb. Film
Chg
IDAHO BURBANKS
$10.14
$0.19
IDAHO NORKOTAHS
$9.14
$0.23
COLUMBIA BASIN
$11.48
$0.20
$3.83
$0.11
$14.50
$0.50
$7
$0
$2.92
$0.17
$12
$0.50
$7
$0
$4.64
$0.13
$15.50
$1
$8
-$0.50
Sheep/Wool Market Reports
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • Greeley, Colo.-San Angelo,
Texas
Wool prices in cents per pound and foreign
currency per kilogram, sheep prices in dollars per
hundredweight (cwt.) except some replacement
animals on per head basis as indicated.
NATIONAL WOOL REVIEW
(USDA Market News)
Greeley, Colo.
March 3
Domestic wool trading on a clean basis was at
a standstill this week. There were no confirmed
trades reported. Domestic wool trading on a
greasy basis was at a standstill this week. There
were no confirmed trades reported.
Domestic wool tags
No. 1
$.60-.70
No. 2
$.50-.60
No. 3
$.40-.50
NATIONAL SHEEP SUMMARY
(USDA Market News)
San Angelo, Texas
March 3
Compared to Feb. 24: Slaughter lambs were
steady to as much as $20 lower. Slaughter ewes
were steady to $5 lower. Feeder lambs were
not well tested. At San Angelo, Texas, 5,445
head sold. Equity Electronic Auction sold 630
slaughter lambs in California. In direct trading
slaughter ewes and feeder lambs were not test-
ed. 2,900 head of negotiated sales of slaughter
lambs had no trend due to confidentiality. 9,000
head of formula sales had no trend due to con-
fidentiality. 3,618 lamb carcasses sold with 45
lbs. down $9.90 lower; 45-65 lbs no trend due to
confidentiality; 65-75 lbs $2.98 higher and 75 lbs
up $2.07-4.17 lower.
SLAUGHTER LAMBS Choice and Prime 2-3:
San Angelo: shorn and wooled 110-170 lbs.
$120-130.
SLAUGHTER LAMBS Choice and Prime 1:
San Angelo: 40-60 lbs. $220-242; 60-70 lbs.
$218-232, few $238; 70-80 lbs. $208-222, few
246; 80-90 lbs. $201-206, few $220; 90-110 lbs.
$178-196, few $210.
DIRECT TRADING (Lambs with 3-4 percent
shrink or equivalent):
2,900 Slaughter Lambs shorn and wooled.
SLAUGHTER EWES:
San Angelo: Good 2-3 (fleshy) $75-86; Utility
and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) $88-98; Utility 1-2
(thin) $76-88; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) $60-
70; Cull 1 (extremely thin) $40-58.
FEEDER LAMBS Medium and Large 1-2:
San Angelo: no test.
REPLACEMENT EWES Medium and Large 1-2:
San Angelo: mixed age hair ewes 90-140 lbs.
$100-124 cwt.
NATIONAL WEEKLY LAMB CARCASS Choice
and Prime 1-4:
Weight
Wtd. avg.
45 lbs. and down
$488.15
45-55 lbs.
Price not reported
due to confidentiality
55-65 lbs.
Price not reported
due to confidentiality
65-75 lbs.
$280.87
75-85 lbs.
$265.48
85 lbs. and up
$256.91
Sheep and lamb slaughter under federal in-
spection for the week to date totaled 37,000 com-
pared to 37,000 last week and 40,000 last year.
California Egg Reports
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • Des Moines
Shell egg marketer’s benchmark price for negotiated egg sales of USDA Grade AA and Grade AA in
cartons, cents per dozen. This price does not reflect discounts or other contract terms.
DAILY CALIFORNIA SHELL EGGS
(USDA Market News)
Des Moines, Iowa
March 3
Benchmark prices are steady. Asking prices for next week are unchanged on all sizes. Trade sentiment
is steady. Demand is moderate to occasionally fairly good into all channels. Offerings are moderate on
light to moderate supplies. Warehouse demand is light to moderate at best. Market activity is slow to
moderate. Small benchmark price 68 cents.
Size
Range
Size
Range
Jumbo
134
Extra large
115
Large
108
Medium
88
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Prices to retailers, sales to volume buyers, USDA Grade AA and Grade AA, white eggs in cartons,
delivered store door.
Size
Range
Size
Range
Jumbo
107-119
Extra large
107-111
Large
93-102
Medium
69-80
Cattle Market Reports
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • Oklahoma City-Des
Moines-St. Joseph, Mo.-Moses Lake, Wash.
Cattle prices in dollars per hundredweight
(cwt.) except some replacement animals per
pair Oregon head as indicated.
NATIONAL FEEDER AND STOCKER CATTLE
(Federal-State Market News)
St. Joseph, Mo.
March 3
This week
Last week
Last year
332,600
294300
371,900
Compared to Feb. 24: Steers and heifers
traded uneven; mostly from $2 higher to $2
lower, with the Southeast being on the upper
end of that trading range. Active trading again
as 20,000 head more reported through auctions.
The central part of Oklahoma received some
pretty timely rains the past couple of weeks and
the grass is greening up pretty quickly and the
temperatures have been unseasonably warmer.
Calving season is in full swing in several parts of
the nation with some areas starting 2 to 3 weeks
ago. Warmer than normal temps and drier than
normal winter has left some producers thankful
that mud isn’t knee deep.
However, they are concerned that less mois-
ture this time of year will follow through into
summer.
A short supply of front-end fed cattle created
an issue for the packers again this week. Pay up
or not have enough for scheduled harvests in
the coming weeks.
On March 1, packers paid steady money in
the Southern Plains at $124-125, while dressed
sales in Nebraska were $4 higher at $200. Sev-
eral anecdotes by the analysts of transactions
happening at these prices due to the exceptional
basis to April with several trades happening with
a more than two week delivery.
The deferred CME Live Cattle contracts are
tempering the feeder cattle market. When the
February Live contract went off the Board, the
August contract was at a 20 percent reduction.
For a 1,500-pound steer that would be about a
$400/head drop in value, so it could be a chal-
lenge for the feeder cattle in auctions to increase
tremendously in value at this time.
However, on March 1 at Huss Platte Valley
Auction in Kearney, Neb., two loads of buckskin
steers weighing 817 lbs. brought $135.35 and
three loads of bigger brothers weighing 940 lbs.
sold for $128.25. From the boots on the ground
there, those cattle were in light to medium flesh
and were ready to do it all in the feedyard.
After the uptick in fed cattle prices, meat
salesmen immediately started asking high-
er prices for cuts and Choice boxed beef has
gained $13.54 since Feb. 22 to close at $208.07.
The April CME Live Cattle contract settled today
at $115.97, $1.02 higher than Feb. 24. On March
3 when looking at the Feeder cattle futures, ev-
ery month listed in 2017 is trading around $2
from the highest priced month (August-$124.35)
to the lowest (November-$122.20). Auction vol-
ume included 63 percent weighing over 600 lbs
and 42 percent heifers.
AUCTIONS
This week
Last week
Last year
255,600
235,200
269,700
WASHINGTON 3,300. 75 pct over 600 lbs.
59 pct heifers. Steers: Medium and Large 1-2
450-500 lbs. $154.81; 550-600 lbs. $147.13;
650-700 lbs. $132.49; 700-750 lbs. $127.49;
750-800 lbs. $124.37; 800-850 lbs. $122.66;
850-900 lbs. $123.80. Heifers: Medium and
Large 1-2 450-500 lbs. $132.90; 500-550 lbs.
$138.19; 550-600 lbs. $133.92; 600-650 lbs.
$132.99; 650-700 lbs. $126.63; 700-750 lbs.
$119.03; 800-850 lbs. $118.28.
DIRECT
This week
Last week
Last year
42,600
57,700
65,300
SOUTHWEST (Arizona-California-Nevada)
600. No cattle over 600 lbs. No heifers. Hol-
steins: Large 3 300 lbs July Del $100.
NORTHWEST (Washington-Oregon-Idaho)
1,400. 100 pct over 600 lbs. 10 pct heifers.
Steers: Medium and Large 1 Current FOB Price
850-900 lbs. $119-120 Washington-Oregon;
850-900 lbs. $128 value added Washington.
Current Delivered Price 750-800 lbs. $128
Idaho; 850-900 lbs. $121-126 Idaho. Heifers:
Medium and Large 1 Current Delivered Price
800-850 lbs. $116-120 Idaho.
NATIONAL SLAUGHTER CATTLE
(USDA Market News)
Oklahoma City, Okla.
March 3
Slaughter cattle sold steady to $1 higher,
dressed sales in Nebraska 4 higher. Packer
demand good. Seller interest also very good as
producers look ahead to a discounted futures
board. Boxed beef prices made gains in the
week enticing packers to bid steady to strong
money. Demand for beef is good as export de-
mand is very good.
Boxed Beef prices as of March 3 averaged
$206.06 up $7.10 from Feb. 24. The Choice/
Select spread is $4.02. Slaughter cattle on a na-
tional basis for negotiated cash trades through
March 3 totaled about 152,610 head. The previ-
ous week’s total head count was 141,071 head.
Midwest Direct Markets: Live Basis: Steers
and Heifers: $124-126. Dressed Basis: Steers
and Heifers $200.
South Plains Direct Markets: Live Basis:
Steers and Heifers mostly $124-125.
Slaughter Cows and Bulls (Average Yielding
Prices): Slaughter cows and bulls steady to $2
higher, Alabama auctions up to $5 higher. Cutter
Cow Carcass Cut-Out Value was $165.66 up
$.46 from Feb. 24.
NORTHWEST DIRECT CATTLE
(USDA Market News)
Moses Lake, Wash.
March 3
This week
Last week
Last year
1,350
4,650
1,350
Compared to Feb. 24: Feeder cattle steady
to firm in a light test. Trade slow with good de-
mand. Slaughter cattle saw another amazing
week of great cash strength and CME board
weakness. The feeder supply included 90 per-
cent steers and 10 percent heifers. Near 100
percent of the supply weighed over 600 lbs.
Prices are FOB weighing point with a 1-4 per-
cent shrink or equivalent and with a 5-12 cent
slide on calves and a 3-8 cent slide on yearlings.
Delivered prices include freight, commissions
and other expenses. Current sales are up to 14
days delivery.
Feeder Steers: Medium and Large 1: Current
FOB Price: 850-900 lbs. $119-120 Washing-
ton-Oregon; 850-900 lbs. $128 value added
Washington. Current Delivered Price: 750-800
lbs. $128 Idaho; 850-900 lbs. $121-126 Idaho.
Feeder Heifers Medium and Large 1: Current
Delivered Price: 800-850 lbs. $116-120 Idaho.