Kansas feedlot closeouts in June were up from May but less than June 2024 and less than the 2019-2023 average, according to data collected by the Kansas State University Extension service and compiled by the Livestock Marketing Information Center in Denver.
The K-State Extension service collects feedlot performance data from select feedlots around the state and feeds it to the LMIC, which compiles it to arrive at the calculated performance at the “average” Kansas feedlot for any given month. The LMIC then graphs and publishes the data on its website.
JUNE CLOSEOUTS MIXED
While June Kansas closeouts from the “average” feedlot were up 686 head, or 26.7%, from what may prove to be the 2025 annual low in May of 2,565 head at 3,251 head, they were down 546, or 14.4%, from June 2025’s 3,797 head and down 1,439, or 30.7%, from the previous five-year average of 4,690 head.
The 2019-2023 average showed that the annual low point for closeouts from the average Kansas feedlot often happens in April at 3,170 head. A secondary low happens in the fall around October, which can be a close second to the spring low. Last year, the annual low point for closeouts at the average Kansas feedlot took place in November at 3,118 head.
From here until the usual annual high point in August, feedlot closeouts from the average Kansas feed yard should rise from month to month. After that, a steep decline usually takes place until the October seasonal low. Last year, closeouts rose and showed a seasonal peak in July before sliding to the annual low in November.
FINAL WEIGHTS MIXED
The final weight of steers exiting the average Kansas feedlot in June was 1,471 pounds, down nine, or 0.61%, from May’s 1,480 head but up 40, or 2.80%, from last year’s 1,431 pounds and up 60, or 4.25%, from the previous five-year average of 1,411 pounds.
The final weight of heifers exiting the average Kansas feedlot in June was 1,339 pounds, down six, or 0.45%, from 1,345 in May but up 46, or 3.56%, from 1,293 in June last year and up 68, or 5.35%, from the previous five-year average of 1,271.
Exit weights of steers and heifers from the average Kansas feedlot have been up from last year and the average all year as feeders add pounds to cattle already on feed because it’s cheaper than trying to find fresh feeder cattle to replace them when they are sold.
Exit weights for both tend to rise into December.
CATTLE, BEEF RECAP
The USDA reported formula and contract base prices for live FOB steers and heifers this week ranged from $236.15 per cwt to $236.74, compared with last week’s range of $235.00 to $247.10 per cwt. FOB dressed steers and heifers went for $373.76 per cwt to $374.65, compared with $366.72 to $388.63.
The USDA choice cutout Monday was up $2.68 per cwt at $381.52 while select was up $4.52 at $359.61. The choice/select spread narrowed to $21.91 from $23.75 with 53 loads of fabricated product and 33 loads of trimmings and grinds sold into the spot market.
The USDA-listed the weighted average wholesale price for fresh 90% lean beef was $418.35 per cwt, and 50% beef was $175.55.
The USDA said basis bids for corn from feeders in the Southern Plains were down $0.15 at $1.30 to $1.45 a bushel over the Sep corn contract, which settled at $3.85, up $0.02 1/4.
No live cattle delivery intentions were posted.
The CME Feeder Cattle Index for the seven days ended Friday was $341.04 per cwt, up $3.83. This compares with Monday’s Aug contract settlement of $340.22, up $0.82.