Missouri Weekly Direct Slaughter Cattle Report - February 27, 2026

Week: 120          Last Week:  160          Last Year:  280

These prices acquired from Missouri producers, Trading as of this
Friday afternoon February 27, trade so far this Friday is light with
a few Flat dressed sales 2.00 lower at 383.00 with Grid dressed sales
inactive. As of Friday morning, fed cattle trade remains light to
moderate in the Northern Plains with trade on Thursday ranging mostly
2.00-4.00 lower at 243.00-245.00 and dressed sales 5.00 lower at 383.00.
With the Southern Plains still waiting to trade. The slaughter levels
continue to be reduced, estimate for this week is 520,000-525,000 as
each week this increases volatility in the price levels. Last week's
slaughter volume was 516, 000, down 25,000 from previous week and
49,000 less than a year ago. Comprehensive carcass weights the combined
steer and heifer weights were at 952 lbs this week; that is 2 lbs less
than a week ago and 30 lbs heavier than a year ago. Boxed-beef values
zoomed higher this week near 12.75 higher than last Thursday's close
despite the calendar is not the box beef cut outs friend this time of
the year with the season of Lent. But sharp declines in slaughter levels
over the last several weeks, possible slaughter disruptions at the
Greeley plant as a possible strike looms and the major winter storm in
the east that could disrupt supply patterns and restocking shelves.
Choice closed 1.34 lower on Thursday at 377.89 with Select closing 3.72
higher at 370.79 with a Choice-Select spread remaining narrow at 7.10,
compared to last Thursday’s close with Choice at 365.17 and Select at
359.79 Slaughter Cattle under Federal inspection on Thursday was
estimated at 427,000, last week 427,000 and last year 460,000.
The hide and offal value from a typical slaughter steer on Thursday
was 12.10 per cwt up .14 cents when compared to Wednesday 's value.

Live Sales: Slaughter steers and heifers: (over 90 percent Choice) No Sales

(Note: Weighing conditions some plant delivered
weights and some net weights FOB feedlot after a 4 percent shrink.
Dressed Carcass Sales: Paid on Hot Carcass Weights) Delivered or Picked up

Steers and Heifers (80 percent Choice) 3 loads Thur afternoon Flat 383.00.

Grid Dressed Sales: (over 80 percent Choice) No Sales

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Perry, MO
        Greg Harrison, Market Reporter