April 6, 2018
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13
Hay Market Reports
Potato Market Reports
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • St. Joseph, Mo.-Portland
Hay prices are dollars per ton or dollars per bale when sold to
retail outlets. Basis is current delivery FOB barn or stack, or delivered
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)
March 23
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
8,665
17,150
9,350 tons
Compared to March 23: Alfalfa firm in a light test. Trade slow
this week for old crop. Moderate trade was noted this week for
new crop export hay not tarped. Some discounts may apply if rain
damaged. Retail/Feedstore not tested. All prices are dollars per
ton and FOB the farm or ranch unless otherwise stated.
Tons Price
Alfalfa
Mid Square
Good/Prem/New Crop 4250 165.00
Good/Tarped
400
165.00
Fair/Good/ New Crop 4015 145.00
OREGON AREA HAY
(USDA Market News)
March 30
Compared to March 23: Prices trended generally steady in an
extremely limited test. Retail/Stable type hay remains the most
demanded hay. Most hay producers are sold out for the growing
year.
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
509
2098
1544 tons
CROOK, DESCHUTES, JEFFERSON, WASCO COUNTIES
Tons Price
Alfalfa
Large Square
Supreme
32
165.00
Premium
100
140.00
Small Square
Prem/Ret/Stab
17
230.00
Orchard Grass
Triticale
EASTERN OREGON:
Alfalfa/Orchard Mix
Orchard Grass
Small Square
Prem/Ret/Stab
Large Square
Good/Premium
Small Square
Prem/Ret/Stab
Small Square
Prem/Ret/Stab
23
230.00
50
165.00
15
178.33
10
175.00
LAKE COUNTY:
Alfalfa
Large Square
Supreme
104
215.00
Good
35
165.00
Small Square
Premium
30
185.00
Alfalfa/Orchard Mix
Small Square
Premium
30
185.00
Good
30
150.00
Oat
Large Square
Good/Premium
33
120.00
HARNEY COUNTY: No New Sales Confirmed.
KLAMATH BASIN: No New Sales Confirmed.
IDAHO HAY
(USDA Market News)
March 30
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
125,150
200
32,300 tons
Compared to March 23: Alfalfa steady in a light test. Exporters
reported the first contracts of new crop Alfalfa for 2018. Prices for
new crop export Alfalfa reported this week will have price re-ne-
gotiated for heavy rain damage. Trade very active especially for
contracts for new crop with good demand.
Alfalfa
Mid Square
Supr/New Crop
25,000 145.00
Prem/New Crop
25,000 140.00
Good/New Crop
25,000 130.00
Fair/New Crop
25,000 125.00
Tarped
150
100.00
Util/New Crop
25,000 120.00
CALIFORNIA HAY
(USDA Market News)
March 30
Compared to March 23: All classes traded steady with very good
demand. River basin snow water content now measures 75-90
percent of average in the central Sierra. The recent storm allowed
the contraction of drought across much of the West.
This week FOB
Last week
Last year
4,100
2,325
2,598 tons
REGION 1: NORTHERN INTERMOUNTAIN
Includes the counties of Siskiyou, Modoc, Shasta, Lassen and
Plumas.
Alfalfa
Good/Prem
100
188.00
Good
50
175.00
Fair/Good
50
150.00
Wheat Straw
Good
100
90.00
REGION 2: SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Includes the counties of Tehama, Glenn, Butte, Colusa, Sutter,
Yuba, Sierra, Nevada, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Solano and Sacra-
mento.
Alfalfa
Prem/Clippings
100
210.00
Retail/Stable
25
260.00
Good/Prem/ Del
100
250.00
REGION 3: NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Includes the counties of San Joaquin, Calaveras, Stanislaus,
Tuolumne, Mono, Merced and Mariposa.
Alfalfa
Prem/Del
100
270.00
Good/Pre/Del
200
245.00
Del Ret/Stab/Del
300
250.00
Good/Del
200
205.00
Fair/Good
175
140.00
Wheat Straw
Good/Del
100
150.00
REGION 5: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Includes the counties of Kern, Northeast Los Angeles and Western
San Bernardino.
Alfalfa
Supr/Del
500
295.00
Good/Prem/Del
200
240.00
Good/Del
200
225.00
REGION 5: Southern California: No New Sales Confirmed.
REGION 6: SOUTHEAST CALIFORNIA
Includes the counties of Eastern San Bernardino, Riverside and
Imperial.
Alfalfa
Prem/Supr
600
232.00
Prem
720
213.06
Rain Dam
280
190.00
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.
PORTLAND GRAIN
(USDA Market News)
Portland
March 29
Pacific Northwest Market Summary: Cash wheat bids for March
delivery ended the reporting week on Thursday, March 29, were
mixed, compared to week ago noon bids for March delivery.
May wheat futures ended the reporting week on Thursday,
March 29, lower as follows compared to week ago closes: Chi-
cago wheat futures were 4.75 cents lower at 4.51, Kansas City
wheat futures were 3.75 cents lower at 4.6725 and Minneapolis
wheat futures trended 14.50 cents lower at 5.7850. Chicago May
corn futures trended 11.75 cents higher at 3.8775 and May soy-
bean futures closed 15 cents higher at 10.4475.
Bids for US 1 Soft White Wheat delivered to Portland in unit
trains or barges during March for ordinary protein trended steady
to 0.25 of a cent per bushel higher compared to week ago prices
for the same delivery period from 5.40-5.66.
Some exporters were not issuing bids for nearby delivery.
White club wheat premiums were zero to five cents per bushel
over soft white wheat bids this week and last week.
One year ago bids for US 1 Soft White Wheat any protein
for March delivery by unit trains and barges to Portland were
4.4550-4.7050 and bids for White Club Wheat were 4.4550-
4.8050.
Forward month bids for soft white wheat ordinary protein were
as follows: April 5.40-5.71, May 5.63-5.76, June 5.65-5.7350 and
August New Crop 5.50-5.6025.
One year ago, forward month bids for soft white wheat for
any protein were as follows: April and May 4.4550-4.73, June
4.4850-4.76 and August New Crop 4.5375-4.72.
Bids for US 1 Soft White Wheat guaranteed maximum 10.5
percent protein during March trended steady to 0.25 of a cent
per bushel higher than week ago prices for the same delivery
period from 5.25-5.66. Some exporters were not issuing bids for
nearby delivery.
White club wheat premiums for guaranteed maximum 10.5
percent protein soft white wheat this week were zero to five
cents per bushel over soft white wheat bids this week and last
week.
One year ago bids for US 1 Soft White Wheat guaranteed
maximum 10.5 percent protein for March delivery by unit trains
and barges to Portland were 4.4550-4.7550 and bids for White
Club Wheat were 4.5550-4.8550.
Forward month bids for soft white wheat guaranteed 10.5 per-
cent proteins were as follows: April 5.40-5.71, May 5.65-5.76,
June 5.70-5.7350 and August New Crop 5.50-5.6025.
One year ago, forward month bids for soft white wheat for any
protein were as follows: April and May 4.4550-4.7550 and Au-
gust New Crop 4.5375-4.70.
Bids for 11.5 percent protein US 1 Hard Red Winter Wheat
for March delivery trended mixed, from 3.75 cents lower to 1.25
cents per bushel higher than week ago bids for the same de-
livery period. Some exporters were not issuing bids for nearby
delivery.
This week, bids were as follows: March 5.9725-6.2725, April
and May 6.0225-6.2725, June 6.2125-6.2425 and August New
Crop 6.0525.
Bids for non-guaranteed 14.0 percent protein US 1 Dark
Northern Spring Wheat for Portland delivery during March
trended 14.50 cents per bushel lower than week ago bids for
the same delivery period. Some exporters were not issuing bids
for nearby delivery.
This week, bids for non-guaranteed 14 percent protein were as
follows: March 6.9350-7.1350, April 6.9350-7.1650, May 6.9850-
7.2350, June 6.9650-7.2650 and August New Crop 7.24-7.29.
COARSE FEEDING GRAINS: Bids for US 2 Yellow Corn de-
livered full coast Pacific Northwest-BN shuttle trains for March
delivery trended 9.75 to 11.75 cents per bushel higher than week
ago bids for the same delivery period from 4.8275-4.9575.
Some exporters were not issuing bids for nearby delivery. For-
ward month corn bids were as follows: April 4.9475-5.0375, May
4.9275-4.9575, June 4.9625-5.0225 and July 4.8125-4.9625.
Bids for US 1 Yellow Soybeans delivered full coast Pacific
Northwest-BN shuttle trains for March delivery trended 15.00
cents higher than week ago bids for the same delivery period
from 11.2475-11.2975.
Some exporters were not issuing bids for nearby delivery.
Forward month soybean bids were as follows: April 11.2975,
May 11.3475, June 11.4550-11.5050, July 11.4550-11.5250 and
October 11.3775-11.4475.
Bids for US 2 Heavy White Oats for March delivery trended
steady at 3.4825 per bushel.
Outstanding Export Sales: Outstanding U.S. white wheat ex-
port sales can be found at the following link: https://apps.fas.
usda.gov/export-sales/wheat.htm
Outstanding U.S. barley export sales can be found at the fol-
lowing link: https://apps.fas.usda.gov/export-sales/barley.htm
Pacific Northwest Export News: There were 22 grain vessels
in Columbia River ports on Thursday, March 29, with five docked
compared to 23 last week with six docked.
There were no new confirmed export sales this week from the
Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) of the USDA.
California Weekly
Grain Report
March 29
No trades were reported for the week.
Dairy Report
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • Madison, Wis.
FLUID MILK AND CREAM
REVIEW – WEST
(USDA Market News)
March 29
Processing plants in California are running
full-time to clear as much milk as possible.
Milk loads continue to be plenteous in the
state. Some plant managers are sending milk to
other locations within and out of the state to help
with processing duties.
Milk yield is unchanged from a week ago. As
the spring holiday approaches, Class I intakes
are slipping down.
In Arizona, manufacturers are under a lot of
pressure in that they have too much milk avail-
able for processing and limited processing ca-
pacities. Some of them are finding it challenging
to get additional manufacturing spaces at other
plants.
Cooler nighttime temperatures are provid-
ing comfort for cows and promoting more milk
output.
Arizona alfalfa conditions are rated for the
most part good to excellent. Harvesting is taking
place on three-quarters of the alfalfa acreage in
the state.
Soil moistures are also ninety percent ade-
quate to surplus.
According to the NASS New Mexico Crop
Progress report, 99 percent of the state of New
Mexico is reported as abnormally dry or worse.
Despite all, New Mexico milk production is ac-
tive. Supplies of milk are adequate to satisfy the
needs of all the different milk Classes.
Bottling milk requests have decreased for the
reason that schools closed this week for the
spring break.
Pacific Northwest dairy contacts report milk
production is steady and on target with expected
volumes. Bottling demand is slightly lower due to
the spring holidays and a number of educational
institutions taking a break during spring terms.
Manufacturers say they are not having any
trouble getting the milk needed for most pro-
cessing needs.
In the mountain states of Idaho, Utah and Col-
orado, milk volumes are steady to higher. Cur-
rent milk volumes continue to progress ahead
of last year’s output due to favorable weather,
increases in the milking herd and milk per cow.
Manufacturers have plenty of milk for processing
needs. Industry contacts report some discount-
ed loads are available as milk handlers seek out
homes for the milk.
Condensed skim is readily available in the
western spot market. Prices are lower and find-
ing sufficient processing capacities is a great
challenge for some manufacturers.
In the West, the cream market has softened
a little bit. Contacts report that in some areas,
cream prices seem more flexible as demand is
lower and supplies on hand remain plenteous.
Cream multiples for this week are 1.00-1.22.
According to the DMN National Retail Re-
port-Dairy for the week of March 23-29, the
national weighted average advertised price for
one gallon of milk is $2.44, down $0.11 from last
week, but up $0.02 from a year ago. The weight-
ed average regional price in the Southwest is
$2.47 with a price range of $1.99-$2.79. The
weighted average regional price in the North-
west is $1.79 with no price range.
According to California Department of Food
and Agriculture, February 2018 pool receipts of
milk in the state total 3.03 billion pounds. This is
2.8 percent higher compared to the same month
a year ago. From January through February
2018, receipts are 1.6 percent higher from the
comparable period in 2017.
The Value at Test price is $14.48, $.35 lower
than the previous month, and $2.52 below a
year ago.
The percentage of receipts used in Class 1
products is 12.83 percent. The January quo-
ta price is $14.71 and the over quota price is
$13.01. These prices are $.23 below last month
and $2.48 lower from a year ago.
Pairs: $900-1395 Pr
Head Calves (Up to 250 lbs) Beef: $230-
425 Hd; Dairy: $32.50-52.50 Hd
Feeder Lambs: 50-90 lbs 180.00-232.50;
90-130 lbs 110.00-150.00
LEBANON
(Lebanon Auction Yard)
March 29
Total Receipts: 289
Butcher Cows:
Conventional: Top Cow, $76.00; Top 10
Cows, $72.19; Top 50 Cows, $69.06; Top 100
Cows, $65.18
Organic: Top Cow, $93.00; Top 10 Organic:
$75.56.
Bulls: Conventional: Top Bull, $102.00; Avg.
All Bulls, $86.39.
KLAMATH FALLS
(Klamath Falls Livestock Auction)
March 27
Choice Steers: 300-400 lbs 154.00-181.51;
400-500 lbs 139.00-162.00; 500-600 lbs
129.00-141.00; 600-700 lbs 111.00-135.00;
700-800 lbs 105.00-107.00
Choice Heifers: 300-400 lbs 115.00-142.00;
400-500 lbs 129.00-153.00; 500-600 lbs
122.00-135.00; 600-700 lbs 109.00-132.00;
700-800 lbs 101.00-110.50
Top Cow: 72.00
Top Bull: 95:00
Slaughter Bulls: High Yield 72.00-95.00
Slaughter Cows: High Yield 65.00-72.00;
Med Yield 59.00-63.00; Low Yield 35.00-
50.00
Feeder Heiferettes: NT
Cow Calf Pairs: 1170.00-1460.00
Bred Cows: 970.00-1020.00
with good demand. Slaughter cows 52 per-
cent, slaughter bulls 10 percent, and feeders
38 percent of the supply. The feeder supply
included 33 percent steers and 67 percent
heifers. Near 74 percent of the run weighed
over 600 lbs.
Feeder Steers: Medium and Large 1-2: 400-
500 lbs 170.00; 500-600 lbs 167.00-171.50;
600-700 lbs 155.00-166.00; 700-800 lbs
129.00-139.00; 700-800 lbs 144.00-145.00,
Value Added; 800-900 lbs 125.00-127.75.
Large 1-2: 1000-1100 lbs 109.75-114.50.
Feeder Holstein Steers: Medium and Large
2-3: 400-500 lbs 143.00; 500-600 lbs 134.00.
Feeder Heifers: Medium and Large 1-2:
500-600 lbs 150.00-160.00; 500-600 lbs
162.00, Value Added; 600-700 lbs 144.00-
152.00; 600-700 lbs 139.00, Fleshy; 600-
700 lbs 159.00, Thin Fleshed; 700-800 lbs
117.75-125.00; 700-800 lbs 135.00-140.00,
Thin Fleshed; 800-900 lbs 115.50-116.00.
Medium and Large 2-3: 500-600 lbs 130.50.
Large 2-3: 800-900 lbs 86.50; 1000-1100 lbs
84.50-84.75; 1200-1300 lbs 84.50; 1400-1500
lbs 84.50. Small and Medium 1-2: 500-600 lbs
138.00-145.00.
Slaughter Cows:
Boners: 80-85 Pct. Lean; 1300-2100 lbs;
Avg Dressing 69.00-74.00; High Dressing
74.50; Low Dressing 64.00-69.00
Lean: 85-90 Pct. Lean; 1100-1800 lbs; Avg
Dressing 66.00-73.00; Low Dressing 61.00-
66.00
Lean: 90 Pct. Lean; 900-1400 lbs; Avg
Dressing 58.00-61.00; Low Dressing 51.00-
57.00
Slaughter Bulls:
Yield Grade 1-2: 1500-2450 lbs Avg Dress-
ing 98.00-104.00; Low Dressing 90.00-98.00
Yield Grade 2: 1700-2500 lbs; Low Dressing
75.00-86.50
Please Note: The USDA LPGMN price
report is reflective of the majority of classes
and grades of livestock offered for sale. There
may be instances where some sales do not
fit within reporting guidelines and therefore
will not be included in the report. Prices are
reported on a per cwt basis, unless otherwise
noted.
Livestock Auctions
California
TURLOCK
(Turlock Livestock Auction Yard)
March 27
Comments: Sales receipts lower due to
improved weather and grass conditions. Very
Light test and No. 1 feeders. Weigh cow and
bull market showing signs of improvement.
No. 2 Med and Large Frame Steers: 300-
399 lbs 130.00-173.50; 400-499 lbs 125.00-
170.00; 500-599 lbs 120.00-151.00; 600-699
lbs 115.00-140.00; 800-899 lbs NT
No. 2 Med and Large Frame Heifers: 300-
399 lbs 125.00-155.00; 400-499 lbs 120.00-
153.00; 500-599 lbs 115.00-134.50; 600-699
lbs 110.00-130.00; 800-899 lbs NT
Holstein Barren Heifers: 65.00-88.00
Weigh Beef Cows: High Yielding 68.00-
79.00; Med Yielding 61.00-67.00; Low Yield-
ing 45.00-60.00
Weigh Dairy Cows: High Yielding 85.00-
91.50; Med Yielding 78.00-84.00; Low Yield-
ing 40.00-61.00
Weigh Bulls: High Yielding 85.00-91.50;
Med Yielding 78.00-84.00; Low Yielding
65.00-77.00
Oregon
WOODBURN
(Woodburn Livestock Exchange)
March 26-27
Receipts: 1029, 384 Cattle
Top 10 Slaughter Cows A/P: 69.79 cwt
Top 50 Slaughter Cows A/P: 65.96 cwt
Top 100 Slaughter Cows A/P: 61.58 cwt
Back To The Country Cows: 70.00 cwt
Certified Cows: 80.00-140.00 cwt
Top Certified Organic Cattle: 65.00-70.00
cwt
All Slaughter Bulls: 67.50-83.50 cwt
Top Beef Steers: 200-300 lbs 145.00-
165.00 cwt; 300-400 lbs 150.00-184.00 cwt;
400-500 lbs 145.00-165.00 cwt; 500-600
lbs 145.00-165.00 cwt; 600-700 lbs 135.00-
164.00 cwt; 700-800 lbs 120.00-149.00 cwt
Top Beef Heifers: 200-300 lbs NT; 300-400
lbs 140.00-175.00 cwt; 400-500 lbs 130.00-
155.00 cwt; 500-600 lbs 130.00-149.00 cwt;
600-700 lbs 115.00-131.00 cwt; 700-800 lbs
100.00-117.00 cwt
Cow/Calf Pairs: 1150.00-1285.00 Hd
Bred Cows: 550.00-950.00 Hd
Day Old Beef Cross Calves: 130.00-275.00
Hd
Day Old Dairy Calves: 10.00-50.00 Hd
Block Hogs: 100.00-113.00 cwt
Feeder Pigs: 60.00-70.00 Hd
Sows: 18.00-34.00 cwt
Weaner Pigs: 37.50-50.00 Hd
Lambs: 40-70 lbs 175.00-217.50 cwt; 75-
150 lbs 125.00-192.50 cwt
Thin Ewes: 10.00-59.00 cwt
Fleshy Ewes: 56.00-68.00 cwt
Ewe/Lamb Pairs: 47.50-75.00 Hd
Goats: 10-39 lbs 30.00-92.50 Hd; 40-69 lbs
30.00-147.50 Hd; 70-79 lbs 120.00-180.00
Hd; 80-89 lbs 117.50-242.50 Hd; 90-99 lbs
80.00-250.00 Hd; 100-199 lbs 52.50-255.00
Hd; 200-300 lbs 200.00-270.00 Hd
EUGENE
(Eugene Livestock Auction)
March 31
Head Count: 338
Market Conditions Compared to Last Week:
Cows steady. Bulls stronger. Feeder cattle
steady.
High Dressers: 58.00-65.50
Top 10 Cows: 60.05
Low Dressers: 50.00-58.00
Bulls: Top Bulls High Dressers: 74.00-96.00
Feeder Bulls: 300-500 lbs: 120.00-161.00;
500-700 lbs: 112.00-144.00; 700-900 lbs:
106.00
Choice Steers: Medium To Large Frame
No. 1 & 2s:
Feeder Steers: 300 to 400 lbs 130.00-
165.00; 400 to 500 lbs 130.00-164.00; 500 to
600 lbs 128.00-164.00; 600 to 700 lbs 120.00-
156.00; 700 to 800 lbs 123.00-125.00; 800 to
900 lbs 116.00
Choice Heifers Medium To Large Frame
No. 1 & 2s:
Feeder Heifers: 300 to 400 lbs 125.00-
156.00; 400 to 500 lbs 125.00-149.00; 500 to
600 lbs 130.00-146.00; 600 to 700 lbs 120.00-
139.00; 700 to 800 lbs 106.00-114.00 Light
Test; 800 lbs and up 104.00 Light Test
Bred Cows: $600-800 Hd
Washington
TOPPENISH
(Toppenish Livestock Auction)
March 29
Receipts: 1320
Compared to last Thursday at the same
market: Stocker and feeder steers firm.
Stocker heifers less 700 lbs. 8.00-9.00 higher.
Feeder heifers more than 700 lbs. 6.00-7.00
lower. Trade active with good demand for all
classes. Slaughter cows 1.00-2.00 higher.
Slaughter bulls 5.00-6.00 higher. Trade active
Compiled by North American Potato Market News and USDA
Agricultural Market Service
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 3
SHIPPING AREA
FWA
CHG
GRI
CHG
70 CT
CHG
10# FILM
CHG
IDAHO BURBANKS
$14.86
$0.49
$6.59
$0.29
$24.50
$1.50
$9.00
$0.00
IDAHO NORKOTAHS
$13.58
$0.09
$6.15
$0.07
$22.00
$0.50
$9.00
$0.00
SAN LUIS VALLEY
$19.01
$0.20
$11.68
$0.18
$27.00
$1.00
$16.00
$0.00
COLUMBIA BASIN
$17.22
$0.36
$8.12
$0.22
$24.50
$0.50
$12.00
$0.00
Sheep/Wool Market Reports
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • Greeley, Colo.-San Angelo, Texas
Sheep prices in dollars per hundredweight (cwt.)
except some replacement animals on per head
basis as indicated.
NATIONAL WOOL REVIEW
(USDA Market News)
March 30
Domestic wool trading on a clean basis was
active this week. There were 512,983 lbs of
confirmed trades reported. Prices for clean
wool fell mostly between 85 to 90 percent of
Australian prices, with several eclipsing 90
percent. Notably, there was a clip of 101 mm
17 micron Yearling territory wool that traded
at 8.24 per pound clean. Prices reflect trades
FOB warehouse in original bag or square pack,
bellies out, some graded and 76 mm or longer.
Domestic wool trading on a greasy basis was
active this week. There were 128,055 lbs of
confirmed trades reported. All trades reported
on a weighted average.
Fleece States Ewe Wool: 60-65mm 21 micron
2.22; 60-65mm 22 micron 2.09; 65-75mm 23
micron 2.93; 60-65mm 24 micron 1.94. Yearling
Wool: 70-75mm 19 micron 3.70; 65-70mm 20
micron 2.81. Lamb Wool:45-55mm 20 micron
2.08; 45-55mm 22 micron 1.70; 60-70mm 23
micron 2.07. Bellies: 60-65mm 21 micron 1.55.
Territory States Ewe Wool: 65-70mm 21 mi-
cron 3.13; 60-65mm 22 micron 2.65; 60-65mm
23 micron 2.40. Yearling Wool 101mm 17 mi-
cron 5.58; 50-55mm 19 micron 3.24. Bellies:
50-60mm 22 micron 1.41.
New Mexico Yearling Wool: 65mm 19 micron
3.47: 65mm 20 micron 3.40. Lamb Wool: 65-
70mm 20 micron 3.69.
NATIONAL SHEEP SUMMARY
(USDA Market News)
San Angelo, Texas
March 30
Compared to March 23: Slaughter lambs
were weak to 15.00 lower, except lambs under
60 lbs at New Holland, Pa., steady to 20.00
higher. Slaughter ewes steady to 10.00 lower,
except at San Angelo, Texas, and Ft. Collins,
Colo., firm to 6.00 higher. Feeder lambs steady
to sharply lower in light test. At San Angelo
5426 head sold. No sales in Equity Electronic
Auction.
In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder
lambs not tested. 2800 head of negotiated sales
of slaughter lambs were steady to 3.00 higher.
3,888 lamb carcasses sold with all weights no
trend due to confidentiality.
Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3
90-160 lbs:
San Angelo: shorn and wooled 110-150 lbs
130.00-137.00.
VA: no test.
PA: shorn and wooled 90-110 lbs 235.00-
252.00; 110-130 lbs 210.00-230.00; 130-150
lbs 172.00-190.00; 150-200 lbs 150.00-170.00.
Ft. Collins, CO: wooled 155-195 lbs 120.00-
150.00.
South Dakota: shorn and wooled 120-125
lbs 152.00-164.00; 146 lbs 145.00; 150-170 lbs
131.00-138.00.
Kalona, IA: wooled 125-130 lbs 137.00-
141.00; 140-145 lbs 125.00-130.00.
Billings, MT: no test.
Missouri: no test.
Equity Elec: no sales.
Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2:
San Angelo: 40-60 lbs 200.00-222.00, few
228.00; 60-70 lbs 200.00-212.00, few 214.00-
218.00; 70-80 lbs 195.00-210.00, few 211.00-
214.00; 80-90 lbs 190.00-208.00; 90-110 lbs
170.00-175.00.
Pennsylvania: 20-30 lbs 270.00-315.00;
30-40 lbs 290.00-315.00, few 320.00-335.00;
40-50 lbs 270.00-305.00, few 305.00-320.00;
50-60 lbs 250.00-287.00, few 290.00-300.00;
60-70 lbs 230.00-265.00, few 265.00-275.00;
70-80 lbs 220.00-255.00, few 255.00-275.00;
80-90 lbs 210.00-235.00, few 235.00-245.00;
90-110 lbs 220.00-230.00.
Kalona, IA: 30-40 lbs 237.00-270.00; 40-50
lbs 240.00-260.00; 50-60 lbs 225.00-261.00;
60-70 lbs 230.00-245.00; 70-80 lbs 202.50-
227.50; 80-90 lbs 212.00-215.00; 90-100 lbs
202.50-210.00.
Ft. Collins: 40-60 lbs 210.00-225.00, few
260.00; 60-80 lbs 205.00-225.00, few 245.00;
80-90 lbs 180.00-205.00; 90-100 lbs 180.00-
195.00.
California Egg Reports
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • Des Moines
Shell egg marketer’s benchmark price for negotiated egg sales of USDA Grade A 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)
March 30
Benchmark prices are unchanged. Asking prices for next week are unchanged for Jumbo, Extra
Large and Large and 5 cents lower for Medium and Small. The undertone is cautiously steady. De-
mand ranges light to fairly good. Offerings are moderate. Supplies are light to moderate. Market activ-
ity is slow to at times moderate. Small benchmark price $1.95. Current transportation costs have been
noted as increasing an average of 4-6 cents per dozen for delivery for some California producers.
Size
Range
Size
Range
Jumbo
301
Extra large
337
Large
335
Medium
215
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA:
Prices to retailers, sales to volume buyers, USDA Grade AA and Grade AA, white eggs in cartons,
delivered to store door.
Size
Range
Size
Range
Jumbo
288-300
Extra large
325-332
Large
323-330
Medium
203-210
Cattle Market Reports
Compiled by USDA Market News Service • Oklahoma City-Des
Moines-St. Joseph, Mo.-Moses Lake, Wash.
NATIONAL FEEDER
AND STOCKER CATTLE
(Federal-State Market News)
St. Joseph, Mo.
March 30
This week
Last week
2017
201,900
296,500
311,300
Compared to March 23: Feeder steers heifers
sold 1.00 to 5.00 lower, with lighter calves in the
Southeast as much as 8.00 lower. Demand was
moderate to good at most auctions this week,
with calves suitable for grass having the best
demand. There are still some yearling cattle
showing up at auctions and some are com-
manding handsome prices. On Wednesday at
the St. Joseph Stockyards in St Joseph, Mo., a
package of 635 lb steers sold at 199.00.
Just 75 miles up the road on Thursday at
Clarinda Livestock Auction in Clarinda, Iowa, a
part load of 651 lb steers sold at 176.00.
On Monday at F&T Livestock in Palmy-
ra, Mo., a package of 650 lbs steers sold at
178.00 and on Tuesday at Lolli Brothers in
Macon, Mo., a package of 707 lb steers sold
at 166.50.
Feeder buyers have been more willing to
dip down and procure smaller packages of top
quality cattle as the numbers at auctions are
sure to dwindle in the coming months.
Heifers ready to take home and make cows
for a long time were in demand in the North
Plains late last week. Last Friday at Fort Pierre
Livestock in Fort Pierre, S.D., a load of 847 lb
replacement quality bangs vaccinated heifers
sold at 146.00 while a half load of 886 lbs sim-
ilar heifers sold at 145.75. Volatility throughout
the futures markets this week held the bulls in
check as the bears solidly took over. The front
five months of CME Live Cattle contracts were
2.30 to 3.63 lower and Feeders were 1.88
to 3.28 lower. The June Live Cattle Contract
closed on Friday at the lowest value since late
April 2017.
Significant equity has vanished from the
Cattle complex in recent weeks as feedlot man-
agers trade a substantial amount of cattle out
front for future delivery in order to lock in a price
ahead of the normal calf-feds hitting the supply
chain in late April to early May.
Fed cattle supplies increasing in the weeks
ahead and anticipation of lower prices has
been the focus of this cattle market and pack-
ers bought the second largest weekly total pur-
chased for 15-30 day deliveries since the data
series started in March of 2010.
Placements in the September to November
time frame were roughly 12.5 percent above the
previous year placements and winter weather in
the Southern Plains has been good for weight
gains, so an increase over year ago carcass
weights are also expected. For the first two
months of the year, steer carcass weights are
2 pounds above year ago levels and 7 pounds
above the previous three year average.
Packers didn’t have to work hard to buy cattle
at lower levels this week as they surfaced on
Tuesday ready to procure cattle with sales from
120.00 to 121.00 in the Southern and Northern
Plains, mostly 5.00 lower.
Cattle Slaughter for the February Year to Date
is nearly 5.1 million head; 4.7 percent higher
than a year ago and 9.7 percent higher than the
previous three-year average. That total of 5.092
million head is the largest since the 2013 total of
5.100 million head.
Commercial red meat production for the
United States totaled 4.06 billion pounds in Feb-
ruary and was a record high production for the
month of February.
Beef production totaled 1.98 billion pounds in
February and was 3 percent above the previous
year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.42 million head,
up 2 percent from February 2017.
Pork production totaled 2.06 billion pounds,
up 4 percent from the previous year. Hog
slaughter totaled 9.64 million head, up 3 per-
cent from February 2017. January to February
2018 commercial red meat production was 8.65
billion pounds, up 5 percent from 2017. The
quarterly Hogs and Pigs report was estimated at
72.908 million head, a record for the data series
that started in 1988.
The grain markets were sharply higher on
Thursday after the annual Prospective Plant-
ings report was released. A surprise this year is
the anticipation of more soybean acres planted
than that of corn. Corn acres are estimated at
88.0 million, down 2 percent from last year. Soy-
bean acres are estimated at 89.0 million; down
1 percent from year ago.
Auction volume this week included 54 percent
weighing over 600 lbs and 44 percent heifers.
NATIONAL SLAUGHTER
CATTLE SUMMARY
March 30
Slaughter cattle traded mostly 4.00-5.00 low-
er for live and 10.00-13.00 lower for dressed
sales. Boxed Beef prices as of Friday at Noon
averaged 214.83 down 4.92 from last Friday.
The Choice/Select spread is 12.07. Slaugh-
ter cattle on a national basis for negotiated
cash trades through Friday afternoon totaled
92,484 head. Last week’s total head count was
126,648.
Midwest Direct Markets:
Live Basis: Steers and Heifers: 120.00-
122.00.
Dressed Basis: Steers and Heifers: 190.00.
South Plains Direct Markets:
Live Basis: Steers and Heifers 121.00.
Slaughter Cows and Bulls (Average Yielding
Prices):
Slaughter cows and bulls sold steady to 2.00
lower. Packer demand moderate. Cutter Cow
Carcass Cut-Out Value on Friday 172.49.