7-7-25 – Feedlot closeouts of fed steers from the average Kansas feedlot plummeted in May while their average exit weight rose seasonally, according to data from the Kansas State University Extension service.
Closeouts of fed heifers also declined sharply, but the drop was less notable on yearly graphs.
The KSU Extension service collects performance and operation data from select feedlots around the state and gives it to the Livestock Marketing Information Center in Denver to compile and publish. The resulting graphs on the LMIC website provide a look at the “average” Kansas feedlot’s activities and performance monthly.
STEER CLOSEOUTS PLUNGE
Fed steer closeouts, or sales to beef packers, at that average Kansas feedlot fell in May to 2,565 head, down 1,367, or 34.8%, from 3,932 in April, down 716, or 21.8%, from 3,281 a year earlier and down 1,476, or 36.5%, from the 2019-2023 average of 4,041 head.
May fed heifer marketings from the average Kansas feed yard totaled 2,665 head, down 793, or 22.9%, from 3,458 head in April, down 230, or 7.94%, from 2,895 a year earlier and down 144, or 5.13%, from the previous five-year average of 2,809 head.
While the June USDA Cattle on Feed report did not break down May US marketings to feedlots into steers and heifers, the report showed US feedlot closeouts in May at 1.758 million head, down 67,000. Or 3.67%, from 1.825 million in April and down 97,000, or 4.96%, from 1.955 million a year earlier.
Marketings of fed steers and heifers have a seasonal tendency to rise in June, both from annual lows in April. The annual high in Kansas feedlot marketings usually comes in July or August before dropping off into September for heifers and October for steers.
EXIT WEIGHTS RISE
Final weights of fed steers and heifers rose seasonally in May, averaging 1,480 pounds for steers and 1,345 for heifers.
The average exit weight of steers was up from 1,470 pounds in April, up 20, or 1.37%, from 1,460 pounds a year ago and up 74.6, or 5.31%, from the 2019-2023 average of 1,405.4 pounds.
Average exit weights for steers generally rise from an annual low point in April with a not-uncommon dip in September.
The average final weight of fed heifers in May was up 14, or 1.05%, from 1,331 pounds in April, up 28, or 2.13%, from 1,317 pounds a year ago and up 71.4, or 5.61%, from the previous five-year average of 1,273.6 pounds.
Average exit weights for heifers tend to rise from the annual April low to an annual high in July, declines in August and September, followed by a gain in October, a decline in November and a small rise in December.
CATTLE, BEEF RECAP
The USDA reported formula and contract base prices for live FOB steers and heifers last week ranged from $225.63 per cwt to $236.67, compared with the previous week’s range of $229.67 to $239.21 per cwt. FOB dressed steers, and heifers went for $353.56 per cwt to $365.67, compared with $360.16 to $373.52.
The USDA choice cutout Thursday was down $5.11 per cwt at $389.75 while select was off $1.87 at $378.44. The choice/select spread narrowed to $13.31 from $14.55 with 94 loads of fabricated product and nine loads of trimmings and grinds sold into the spot market.
The USDA-listed the weighted average wholesale price for fresh 90% lean beef was $411.10 per cwt, and 50% beef was $258.42.
The USDA said basis bids for corn from feeders in the Southern Plains were unchanged at $1.30 to $1.35 a bushel over the Sep corn contract, which settled at $4.20 1/4, up $0.02 1/4.
The CME Feeder Cattle Index for the seven days ended Wednesday was $311.83 per cwt, down $2.27. This compares with Thursday’s Aug contract settlement of $309.50, up $0.47.