Extreme Heat Is Creating Varied Cattle Auction Prices

With August a historically strong sales month, auction prices for steers and heifers varied from $3 lower to $1 higher compared to a week prior. American Marketing Services (AMS) reporters were surprised that some of the higher trend prices came from the hard-hit North Central region which has suffered the most from ongoing drought. With high heat in the Plains States causing cattle transport to be dangerous, there is speculation that cancelled auctions and smaller volumes are causing some skewed numbers. Last week’s auction receipts totaled 147,800 compared to 174,200 the previous week — the same period last year was higher at 158,100. Get a more detailed price analysis.