Sioux Falls Regional Livestock

Compared to last week: Slaughter steers and heifers 5.00 to 10.00 higher. Very good demand for this large offering of steers and heifers. The market was very active at the auction as the country trade ended last week at 205.00 and started early this week at 205.00-205.50. CME Live Cattle futures were higher, but still lagging behind the cash markets. Steer and heifer weights remain very heavy, the winter has been very dry, no snow cover, and the ground is frozen as temps have been cold, helping to keep cattle gaining easily.

Slaughter lambs under 100 lbs 40.00 to 50.00 lower, 100-130 lbs 10.00 to 15.00 higher, over 130 lbs 5.00 to 8.00 lower. Moderate demand for slaughter lambs, less demand was seen for both non-traditional and traditional weight lambs as offerings have been large the last two weeks. Slaughter ewes 10.00 to 20.00 lower, moderate demand for both slaughter ewes and those replacement ewes that were offered.