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Pasture to Market Providing beef cattle industry information for producers in North Louisiana

September—October 2015

Options for Backgrounding Calves this Fall—In most years, there is a significant ‘gap’ in forage availability between

the end of warm-season perennial grass growth and the availability of cool-season grasses for grazing weaned back-

grounded calves. Weaning time for our spring-calving herds is around the corner and much of the northern part of

Louisiana has received a limited amount of moisture since July 4th. That leaves limited availability of stockpiled

forages to carry us into the fall. As we approach weaning time, there is a good chance that backgrounding weaned

calves on warm-season grasses will be limited. This ‘fall forage gap’ is normally filled using low- to medium-quality

warm-season grass hay [7-9% crude protein (CP) and 45-55% total digestible nutrients (TDN)] that requires

additional supplementation with concomitant increased costs of production. For expected gains of 1.5 pounds per

head per day or greater, the diet needs to contain at least 9.5% CP and 60% TDN with an intake of 2-3% of the calf’s

body weight, depending on quality.

Over the last couple of years, we have conducted studies at the Hill Farm Research Station utilizing weaned beef

calves trying to fill this “fall forage gap” during the backgrounding period feeding ryegrass baleage. Baleage is an

alternative forage conservation method to hay production. Similar to silage, baleage is fermented and requires 40 to

60% moisture and an anaerobic environment to ensile. The curing time for forages utilized as baleage is reduced,

and allows for harvesting of forages when they are at their greatest quality. Previous research has told us that

baleage is more digestible than hay of the same forage, and work out of Florida reported that intake and animal

performance was improved in beef calves fed bermudagrass baleage compared with bermudagrass hay.

What our research over the last couple of years has told us is that within the first 7 days of after weaning, calves will

eat more hay than baleage. This is likely due to the fact that baleage has a higher moisture content and calves

would have to consume more baleage to equal the same amount of dry matter in hay; plus their rumen has not

adapted to a high moisture forage or the amount needed to be consumed. We also learned that within 7 to 10 days

after weaning, baleage intake begins to increase. One of our studies showed that over a 60-day backgrounding

period, calves fed ryegrass baleage consumed on average 11.9 pounds in dry matter compared with calves fed

ryegrass hay consuming 9.6 pounds in dry matter. At 48.8% moisture in the baleage and 10.3% moisture in the hay,

that is equal to 23.2 pounds of baleage as fed and 10.7 pounds of hay as fed consumed. So even though the baleage

contains more moisture, intakes were greater for calves consuming baleage over time. With greater intakes, we get

greater weight gain. In fact, calves consuming ryegrass baleage over dry hay from 2 separate studies gained 25 and

27 pounds more over a 60-day backgrounding period. With $2.40 per head calf prices, the weight gain off of baleage

over a 60-day backgrounding period would gross $1.00 per head per day more than the weight gain from calves

consuming dry hay.

Our results from the research conducted at the Hill Farm Research Station implies that performance of

backgrounded calves fed ryegrass baleage was improved over feeding dry hay. However, it is important that we

remember that the quality of baleage is only as good as the quality of the forage when it was cut. Baleage, once

wrapped, will not increase the quality of the forage, so it is essential that dry matter and nutrient content of the

forage for newly weaned calves is sufficient to meet growth requirements.—Ryon S. Walker, LSU AgCenter - Hill Farm

Research Station

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Management Options for Limited Pasture Forage and Hay Resources—This year has offered some weather challenges

for cattle producers. During the spring and early summer, rainfall was adequate or maybe considered a little excessive, but a

large part of the area has not received precipitation since the first week of July. This lack of rainfall, combined with tempera-

tures near triple digits, has resulted in minimal forage growth through much of the past month. Beef producers have gone

from a situation in which it looked like there was plenty of hay to a possibility of short feed supplies this winter. A few produc-

ers have already fed hay, and many more will have to start feeding earlier than usual if rain does not come to the area soon.

There is time left in the growing season to accumulate some forage if we get significant precipitation in the near future, and

this would certainly lessen the drastic impact of the dry period. Following are brief descriptions of some potential options to

consider for dealing with a relatively long feeding period and thus short hay supplies.

Divide Pastures: When forage supplies are short, increased management of grazing should be considered. The availability of

easily installed temporary electric fencing (even with solar powered energizers) makes this a viable option. If pastures have

been grazed some during the dry period, the remaining forage may be relatively low quality so a protein supplement may be

needed to improve digestibility of the available forage. Research has shown that raising the nitrogen in the diet by feeding

protein can increase the digestibility of lower quality forages. Use the electric fencing to confine animals into areas that have

enough available forage for 1 to 3 days and then move to another area. You would expect forage quality to decline as livestock

graze, so utilizing smaller areas and moving rather frequently should spread the days when cattle are grazing very low quality

forage.

Limit feed hay: When considering limiting the amount of hay livestock consume, it is important to know the quality of the

hay being offered so supplements can be provided if necessary to meet animal nutritional requirements. There are two

methods to limit consumption when feeding large round bales of hay. The hay can be unrolled to provide an amount the

animals will consume in a specific time period or fed in an area where animal access can be controlled. Unrolling does spread

the hay out so all animals have access, and this process can be used to spread the manure over a wider area. Care must be

taken to avoid putting out too much at one time because cattle will walk and lie down on it, which can result in excessive

waste. Using this method to stretch hay supplies requires daily feeding. Research has shown you can reduce hay consumption

by approximately 20% without causing drastic drops in body condition and performance if cattle are allowed access for 6-8

hours. You must be aware that the detrimental effects of feeding poor quality hay will be accentuated in this system. If limiting

cattle access to hay bales, you will need to have several bales available so all cattle have an opportunity to eat. A good rule of

thumb is to provide access to one bale for each 10 cows.

Feed Grain Supplement: High starch supplement feeds, such as corn, may depress consumption and use of forage. Research

shows that high starch feeds fed at as little as 0.4 percent of body weight may depress consumption and use of forage. So corn

may be used as a substitute for hay and actually stretch the hay supply. It is important to adapt cattle to grains in the diet by

slowly increasing the amount fed over a 7 to 10 day period to avoid disrupting the livestock’s digestive system. One pound of

corn can be used to replace about 1.5 to 2 pounds of hay in this strategy. Providing a protein supplement in this situation has

been shown to reduce the hay intake depression of higher starch feeds. Less starchy supplements, such as whole cotton seed

of soybean hulls, would not necessarily reduce hay intake significantly in free-choice hay feeding unless fed in greater

quantities but could be used to provide higher nutrition while limiting access to hay.

Utilize Crop Residues: A possible option for extending the grazing season is to allow cattle access to crop residues. There is

often some grain available in the field following crop harvest, as well as grass that has grown underneath the crop and the crop

residue itself. Each of these offers nutrition to livestock so they should be considered for grazing if possible. If this option is

available it should be one of the first utilized.

The options described above do not exhaust the possibilities for stretching forage resources but hopefully do provide ideas to

consider. Purchasing more hay or renting additional pasture (even utilizing grown up areas) may also be option in some

situations. This information also only focuses on the forage resource and does not consider herd management options, such as

early weaning or culling, which are also viable options to consider when dealing with limited forage resources. One should also

consider utilizing winter annual forages more extensively following excessive dry periods in late summer to reduce the length

of the feeding period.—M.W. “Wink” Alison, LSU AgCenter

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Planting Dates for Cool-season Pasture and Forage Crops:

Crop Prepared Seedbeds Sod Planting Grasses Tall Fescue Sept. 20-Oct. 15 --- Oats Sept. 1-Oct. 15 (N LA) Approx. Oct. 15 Sept. 15-Oct. 15 (S LA) Approx. Oct. 15 Cereal Rye Sept. 20-Oct. 15 Approx. Oct. 15 Annual Ryegrass Sept. 20-Oct. 15 Approx. Oct. 15 Wheat Sept. 20-Oct. 15 Approx. Oct. 15 Legumes Arrowleaf Clover Oct. 1-Nov. 15 Oct. 15-Nov. 15 Balansa Clover Oct. 1-Nov. 15 Oct. 15-Nov. 15 Berseem Clover Oct. 1-Nov. 15 Oct. 15-Nov. 15 Crimson Clover Oct. 1-Nov. 15 Oct. 15-Nov. 15 Red Clover Oct. 1-Nov. 15 Oct. 15-Nov. 15 Subterranean Clover Oct. 1-Nov. 15 Oct. 15-Nov. 15 White Clover Oct. 1-Nov. 15 Oct. 15-Nov. 15 Ball Clover Oct. 1-Nov. 15 Oct. 15-Nov. 15

Seeding Rates for Cool-season Pasture and Forage Crops:

Seeding Rate (lb/A) Crop Planted Alone Planted in Mixture Grasses

Tall Fescue 30 20 Oats 100 60 Cereal Rye 90 50 Annual Ryegrass 30 20 Wheat 90 60

Legumes Arrowleaf Clover 8 5 Balansa Clover 5-8 4 Berseem Clover 20 15 Crimson Clover 15 12 Red Clover 12 8 Subterranean Clover 15 12 White Clover 5 3

Cool-season Pasture and Forage Crop Varieties Suggested for Consideration in 2015-2016:

Crop Varieties Grasses Tall Fescue Jesup Max Q, Kentucky-31 Oats RAM Plotspike LA 9339, RAM LA 99016 Cereal Rye Elbon, Maton, Maton II, Oklon, Wintergrazer 70 Annual Ryegrass Diamond T, Earlyploid, Flying A, Fria, Grits, Gulf, Jackson, Jumbo, Marshall, Maximus, Nelson Tetraploid, Passerel Plus, Prine, TAMTBO, Winterhawk. The varieties Attain and Big Boss are considered promising. Wheat (No commercial varieties have been tested in recent years).

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Cool-season Pasture and Forage Crop Varieties Suggested for Consideration in 2015-2016: Crop Varieties Legumes Arrowleaf Clover Amclo, Meechi, Yuchi, Apache Balansa Clover FIXatioN Berseem Clover Bigbee, Frosty Crimson Clover Chief, Dixie, Tibbee, AU Robin Red Clover Kenland, Kenstar, Cherokee, Southern Belle, AU Red Ace Subterranean Clover Mt. Barker, Nangeela, Tallarook, Woogenellup White Clover LA S-1, Osceola, Regalgraze, Pinnacle, Durana, Neches Ball Clover Grazer’s Select, Don

Northeast Louisiana Beef & Forage Field Day - In its third year, the LSU AgCenter will be hosting a beef & forage field day

at Goldmine Plantation in south Richland Parish. We’ve got an excellent program with planned topics including:

Body Condition Scoring

Nutrient Removal by Hay Production

Pasture Weed Control

Value of Hay Quality

Economics of Beef Cattle Marketing Opportunities

Aerial Drone Demonstration and Applications

The program will run from 9:00 a.m. (registration at 8:30 a.m.) until noon with lunch being provided. For more information

contact Jim McCann at 318-649-2663, Keith Collins at 318-728-3216, Jason Holmes at 318-368-9935, or Wink Alison at

318-435-2903.

Directions to Goldmine Plantation from:

Winnsboro—Take Hwy 618 (Lone Cedar Rd) 6 miles and veer right (north) on Hwy 135, then 1.6 miles to Goldmine

Mangham—From Hwy 15/ US 425 take Hwy 132 west 5.7 miles, turn left (south) on Hwy 135 then 8.5 miles to Goldmine.

Monroe—Take Hwy 15 east to Alto, turn right (south) at Alto on Hwy 135. Then 11.2 miles to Goldmine.

Feedstuff Outlook: Corn, Soybean Meal, and Hay— On Wednesday (August 12th) USDA’s report clarified the potential for

crops that are currently in the field. Industry market analysts had projected smaller U.S. corn and soybean crops compared to

earlier USDA numbers, but the result was larger than anticipated production and lowered price expectations. U.S. hay

production estimated by USDA also was a bit larger than anticipated in most major hay production states, the exception was

California which this year is in-line with drought reduced output. USDA-NASS pegged the national average corn yield at 168.8

bushels per acre, two bushels above their prior number and surprisingly close to the 2014 record (171.0). If realized, that yield

translates into national production of over 13.6 billion bushels and the third largest U.S. corn crop ever. Importantly, forecast

new-crop year ending stocks (as of September 1, 2016) would be about unchanged year-over-year. Of course, that crop is not

in the bin yet. Still, now there is the possibility that livestock producers could see corn costs slightly below a year ago at times

during the 2015/16 crop-marketing year. A rather clear outlook of significant year-over-year declines in plant-based protein

feedstuffs costs has developed. Already, for the week ending August 17th, the cash soybean meal price at Illinois plants was

$95.00 per ton below a year ago. USDA-WAOB is forecasting the U.S. soybean crop in 2015 will be only slight below 2014

record high and the second largest ever.

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Feedstuff Outlook continued— In terms of prices, they forecast a range of $310.00 to $350.00 per ton; $40.00 per ton

below the 2014/15 average. Turning to hay, the USDA-NASS Crop Production report estimated that national output of both

alfalfa and other hay will be slightly larger in 2015 compared to 2014’s, up by 1% and 2%, respectively. Annual production gains

in both hay categories are expected to be the result of increased yields as acreage harvested slipped some. USDA put the

California hay production in-line with drought induced expectations, in the form of dramatic declines. The state’s alfalfa crop in

2015 was estimated down nearly 1.2 million tons or 21% from 2014’s and the other hay category down year-on-year 335,000

tons (20% drop). USDA provided detailed production estimates for 29 alfalfa producing states; for 11 of those USDA expects

declines in output and six states are expected to have drops of 10% or more (CA, IN, MT, MO, OH, and ND) due to some type of

growing conditions problem (ranging from drought to lost early cuttings caused by excessive moisture). In the all other hay

category, 32 states had hay production estimates; of those 12 are expected to post year-over-year declines and eight to have

output down 10% or more. Hay quality is a major issue in many areas of the U.S., from drought in California to Oklahoma rain

damage as harvested and unharvested hay sat in soggy conditions. That means highly variable feed value and relatively

abundant availability of low quality hay discounted more than normal compared to high quality. But even for high quality

alfalfa hay, most areas of the nation will see prices well below a year earlier at least well into calendar year 2016.—LMIC; In the

Cattle Markets; August 18, 2015

Transmission of Avian Influenza—Avian influenza is a virus that can infect birds, both wild and domestic (commercial and

small flock poultry). There are three primary means of spreading avian influenza among birds: birds, equipment and

environment. Transmission of avian influenza by birds can occur from both wild and domestic birds. Both wild and domestic

waterfowl are “natural reservoirs” for the influenza virus. Waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans, gulls, terns, etc.) can carry the

influenza virus in their respiratory system and intestines, but they do not get sick. These influenza virus carriers shed the virus

in their bodily secretions. Then, when susceptible birds come into contact with those bodily secretions, they become infected

due to contact with the virus. In addition, infected domestic poultry shed the virus in their bodily secretions and infect other

domestic poultry when they come into contact with the virus. Eggshells also can be contaminated with the virus. Chicks that

come into contact with infected eggshells can become infected. People, equipment, and transportation also are means of avian

influenza transmission among birds. The virus can be carried on shoes, clothing, crates, egg flats, vehicles and other equipment

that poultry come into contact with. When poultry come into contact with these things, they can be infected with the influenza

virus. Also, since the virus can survive at moderate and freezing temperatures, it can be spread through improper handling of

manure, carcasses, or poultry products. Poultry live-bird markets are another reservoir for the virus. Many types of birds and

waterfowl are gathered at these markets. Thus, bird to bird contact, as well as contact with infected facilities can result in

spread of the virus. The influenza virus also can be transmitted by things in a bird’s environment. Lakes and ponds can contain

the virus shed from infected waterfowl; insects and rodents can carry the virus on their feet, hair, or other body parts; and the

virus can be carried for short distances in the air. Thus, avian influenza can be transmitted by many vectors, including birds,

equipment and the environment. Practices to minimize a flock’s exposure to the factors that can transmit the virus are

important in preventing the disease. - Dr. Theresia Lavergne, LSU AgCenter

Horse nettle control options:

Grazon Next or Grazon P+D (safe for all pastures)

Cimarron Max or Chaparral for Bermuda grass fields only

Surmount or Chaparral in 2,4-D restricted areas

Wooly croton (goat weed) control options:

Weedmaster, Grazon Next, Grazon P+D (safe for all pastures)

Cimarron Max or Chaparral for Bermuda grass fields only

Surmount or Chaparral in 2,4-D restricted areas

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LOUISIANA STATE FAIR HAY CONTEST SPONSORED BY THE LSU AGCENTER NORTHWEST REGION

Rules and Regulations

PURPOSE: The Louisiana State Fair Hay Contest is designed to provide a showcase for the presentation of top quality hay

and to recognize the producers of this hay. Hay is the only agricultural commodity that is bought and sold without quality and/or weight guaranteed. There is considerable variation in hay quality and the purchaser or user of the hay should be aware of the quality to facilitate planning a winter feeding strategy. The Louisiana State Fair Hay Contest will provide educational information to producers regarding hay quality and contribute to Extension efforts in Louisiana to enhance production and efficient use of high quality stored forage.

PARTICIPANTS: The Louisiana State Fair Hay Contest is open to producers of hay or baleage throughout Louisiana and the

tri-state region (Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas) served by Shreveport and the Louisiana State Fair. Entries must be submitted through the county agent’s office either from the parish or county in which the hay was produced or the parish or county in which the producer lives and certified by Extension personnel as representing a field of at least five acres.

EVALUATION PROCESS: For consistency of forage analyses of hay samples in the Louisiana State Fair Hay Contest, all

analytical results for hay samples must come from the same laboratory. Therefore, all entries in the hay contest must be submitted to the Univ. of Georgia Feed & Environmental Water Lab for evaluation of forage nutritive value. Test F3 (on the UGA Feed & Forage Testing Form) will provide the analytical results needed for entry in the Louisiana State Fair Hay Contest (Note: Tests F1 & F2 will also provide the necessary information plus other information if you desire to have the other information). The standard cost for sample analysis will be required for each sample submitted. You can access the lab website (http://aesl.ces.uga.edu/) for a fee schedule and list of tests if other tests are desired. Results of the lab analysis will serve as an initial screening of entries with the top 10 entries in each category eligible for the final round of competition.

For more information contact your local LSU AgCenter office, Dr. Wink Alison (WAlison@agcenter.lsu.edu) at 318-435-2903, or Chuck Griffin (CGriffin@agcenter.lsu.edu) at 318-872-0533.

McNeese State University Heifer Enhancement & Development— McNeese State University is preparing for its 10th annual Heifer Development Program. The program is designed to assist producers in selecting and managing for replacement heifers. It offers producers relief from providing additional facilities, labor, and feed to retain young heifers. The program is designed for heifers ranging in weight from 400-800 lbs. Heifers are entered into the program in mid-October and fed through mid-March. Producers are issued a monthly report on the performance of each heifer in the program with information including BW, ADG, REA, RF, IMF, and a relative temperament rating. Additionally, heifers can be entered into the breeding program and be artificially inseminated at the conclusion of the feeding period. The program has grown in popularity with the community since its beginning in 2006. Last year 275 heifers were enrolled in the program from over 30 different producers. To date, nearly 2,000 heifers of various pure and mixed bred breeds have been through the program. Heifers have gained on average 1.7 lbs per day in the program ranging from 1-3 lbs ADG.

For more information contact Bill Storer (wstorer@mcneese.edu) at 225-266-1821—mobile or 337-475-5690—office.

A Mid-Year Look at U.S. Exports of Beef, Pork, and Chicken— Looking at the first half of 2015, comparing exports year-over-year, shows a volume decrease of 9% for beef, 5% in pork, and 9% for broilers. When taking into account how production has changed the first half of 2015 compared to 2014 in respective industries, how are trade volumes really faring in the meat industry? For the first half of 2015 compared to the same timeframe in 2014, the beef sector has experienced a 0.5% decrease in export volume relative to production year-over-year, that is, exports represented 10.3% percent of production last year and that dropped to 9.8% this year. That is a modest change. This calculation helps to brings into context the 4% reduction in supply and the 9% decline in export volume the industry experienced through June of 2015. Compared to beef, the pork and broiler industries have had more change in this measure so far this year. Through June, in 2014 pork export tonnage was 23% of production while in 2015 exports were 20% of production. That change is the result of 7% more pork produced with a 5% decrease in export volume the first half of 2015 compared to 2014. The broiler sector had export volume in 2014 making up 19% of production and in 2015 that percentage slipped to 17%. This encompasses a 4% increase in production and a 9% decrease in exports through June 2015 compared to 2014.—LMIC; Livestock Monitor; August 14, 2015

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September - October Beef Cattle Management Tips:

Below are some all-purpose management tips in an abbreviated format that cattle producers should consider for the months indicated.

“General” management tips are intended to fit all situations while the “spring calving - January, February, March” and “fall calving -

October, November, December” tips are for those specific calving programs. Some producers are likely aware of each tip and have incorpo-

rated many into their management programs. Other producers may find these tips to be suggestions to consider in their future manage-

ment. Regardless, every producer will have to consider how a specific tip might be adapted to fit their individual situation, and some

modification of the times provided will be expected. Severe environmental conditions will also dictate some modification of the tips

depending on the severity in each location. A more detailed description of management opportunities can be found in numerous AgCenter

publications available in the local parish extension office or on the web. Additional scheduling and management details in a worksheet

format are available on-line from the LSU AgCenter in the Monthly Beef Cattle Management Calendar & Workbook at:

http://text.lsuagcenter.com/en/crops_livestock/livestock/beef_cattle/production_management/Workbook.

Month Management Tip

September general 1. Quality of bermudagrass and bahiagrass declines rapidly from now to frost. Keep an eye on

heifers and supplement as needed.

2. Plan where winter grazing will be over seeded into pastures. Graze these areas close or clip prior to planting.

3. Take stock of hay supplies. Plan for accordingly for additional cuttings or purchases. Send

hay samples in for analysis to use in planning winter feeding.

4. Keep a close check on supplemental feed prices. Commodities can usually be purchased

cheaper in the fall.

5. Begin planting winter grazing on prepared seedbeds (Oats—Sept. 1st; Rye, Ryegrass, &

Wheat—Sept. 20th).

spring calving 1. Wean calves depending on pasture conditions and marketing plans. Consider options for selling weaned calves.

2. Wean heifers and select replacements based on weaning weights. Use weights to project needed gain between now and breeding (March).

3. Deworm calves at weaning.

4. Calfhood vaccinate heifers at 4-8 months of age.

5. Separate cull cows at weaning.

6. For late calves (weaning in late Oct. or Nov.), consider creep feeding and vaccination for

respiratory diseases 45 days prior to weaning.

fall calving 1. Move heavy springing heifers to clean pastures where they can be checked 2-3 times daily.

2. Establish an ID system and tag calves at birth.

3. Gather and clean your calving supplies. Be ready to assist with calving difficulties. If management dictates, be ready to castrate, implant and deworm calves at birth.

4. Nutrition requirements increase 10%-15% during the last 30-45 days prior to calving (i.e.,

about 1lb of extra TDN per day). On fall pastures, cows may need a small amount of

supplemental feed.

October general 1. Quality of bermudagrass and bahiagrass declines rapidly from now to frost. Watch condition of cows and supplement feed as needed.

2. Finish planting winter grazing in prepared seedbeds by Oct. 15th, and begin over seeding winter annuals into pastures around Oct. 15th.

3. Continue to monitor supplemental feed prices.

table continued on next page

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If you received this newsletter via email you will continue to receive it unless you “unsubscribe.” To unsubscribe from or subscribe to this bi-monthly emailed newsletter, send an email to the address below with “subscribe” or “unsubscribe” in the subject line.

Sept.—Oct., 2015

Jason E. Holmes

Regional Livestock Specialist

County Agent

LSU AgCenter—Union Parish

318-368-2999 (office) / 318-243-4931

table continued from previous page

Month Management Tip

October spring calving 1. Finish weaning late calves (follow September management list).

2. Heifers should weigh about 2/3 of their mature weight at breeding time in March. They usually gain 1 to 1½ lbs per day after weaning.

3. Watch the body condition of bred heifers. Separate them from the cows and provide supplemental feed as quality of fall grazing declines.

4. Identify thin cows and supplement them at a rate where they will reach moderate body condition at calving.

fall calving 1. Cows due to calve should be put into clean pastures and checked frequently.

2. Tag calves at birth. Record birth date, tag number and cow ID.

3. If management dictates, castrate, dehorn and implant bull calves at birth.

4. Bulls will be turned in with heifers in December and cows in January. It is time to evaluate bulls, trim feet, schedule a breeding soundness exam, or purchase new bull(s).

5. Visit with your veterinarian about suggested pre-calving and pre-breeding vaccinations for cows.

6. Start feeding high magnesium mineral supplement 30 days before cattle are turned in on winter grazing.

Week of Week of Week of

Data Source: USDA-AMS Market News 8/28/2015 8/21/2015 8/22/2014

5-Area Fed

Steer

all grades, live weight, $/cwt $ 147.19 $ 150.62 $ 153.14

all grades, dressed weight, $/cwt $ 232.62 $ 238.44 $ 241.86

Boxed Beef

Choice Price, 600-900 lb., $/cwt $ 243.97 $ 245.75 $ 251.96

Choice-Select Spread, $/cwt $ 10.48 $ 9.84 $ 9.15

500-600 lb.

Feeder Steer

Price

Mississippi statewide market average, M&L #1-2, $/cwt $ 210.00 $ 230.00 $ 226.50

Missouri statewide market average, M&L #1, $/cwt $ 241.24 $ 258.06 $ 257.15

Oklahoma City market average, M&L #1, $/cwt $ 234.19 $ 248.18 $ 268.47

Feed Grains

Corn, Kansas City, $/bu $ 3.69 $ 3.73 $ 3.77

Corn, Pine Bluff, AR, $/bu $ 3.65 $ 3.67 $ 3.38

DDGS, Eastern Corn Belt, $/ton $ 156.50 $ 154.00 $ 117.50

Soybean Meal, Rail, Central IL, $/ton $ 345.90 $ 354.40 $ 542.80

Cottonseed Meal, Memphis, $/ton $ 292.50 $ 292.50 $ 300.00

Whole Cottonseed, Memphis, $/ton $ 290.00 $ 300.00 $ 340.00