Ozarks Regional Stockyards

Compared to last week, calves under 600 lbs. sold steady to 5.00 higher, with some spots of 10.00 higher on heifers. Feeders over 600 lbs. had few true comparisons with the previous auction but steady to weaker undertones were noted. The supply of feeders was moderate, the majority of the offering was fairly plain and on the thin side of flesh conditions. It is evident that winter was long in the area and feed is in short supply as hay plies have run out and grass is off to a very slow start due to lack of recent moisture and cool temperatures. Although not the driest area of the state, it sure enough is dry locally. For those who don't understand The Ozark soil or lack there of that might be hard to believe given back early March creeks and rivers were out of their banks and water was standing in every low spot. Futures markets and fat cattle trade is currently doing nothing to support the cow calf farmer either. Feedlot trade started to develop in the south at lower money once again and futures markets were sharply lower on Tuesday due to economic worries ahead of another suspected rise in the federal interest rate and more banking issues.