Wednesday, August 6th marked a historic day for feeder cattle markets, as new national average price records were set for both 6-weight and 10-weight steers. The 600–699 lb category reached a new high at $392.43, led by JC Livestock (Junction City, KS) with 18 head at 612 lbs bringing $435.00, the second-highest 6-weight price ever recorded in the United States. In the 1,000–1,099 lb class, the national average climbed to a record $315.25, with the top sales coming from Bassett (NE)—161 head at 1,063 lbs for $328.75—and Emporia (KS)—28 head at 1,009 lbs for $323.00. These two trades now stand as the highest and second-highest 10-weight steer prices ever recorded nationally.

JC Livestock (Junction City, KS) made history on Wednesday by achieving two major national milestones in the feeder cattle market. The barn became the first in U.S. history to sell both 5-weight and 7-weight steers at or above $500 and $400/cwt, respectively.   In the 5-weight class, 15 head at 500 lbs sold for $502.50, setting a new national record, followed by 22 head at 542 lbs for $472.50 and 35 head at 573 lbs for $456.00.  Meanwhile, JC also shattered the long-standing $400 barrier for 7-weights, with a record-setting sale of 60 head at 708 lbs bringing $400.00, followed by 31 head at 705 lbs at $399.50.   These historic prices now rank as the highest ever recorded nationally for both weight classes in confirmed sales of 10 head or more.

It was another incredible week at OKC West (El Reno, OK), where the barn set 29 new all-time records across multiple weight classes. This week alone, five of the top ten highest prices ever recorded at the barn were set for 6-, 7-, and 8-weight steers.  The 9-weight class saw the most record-setting activity, with seven of the top ten highest 9-weight prices in barn history set during the week. Among them were the four highest 9-weight sales ever at OKC West, including 49 head at 926 lbs for $323.00, 55 head at 916 lbs for $322.50, 61 head at 928 lbs for $322.00, and 36 head at 911 lbs for $322.00, all recorded on August 6th.

Coffeyville Stockyards (North Town, KS) had a banner day on Wednesday, setting multiple new all-time barn records across key weight classes.  A group of 12 head at 463 lbs brought $465.00, setting a new high for 4-weights. In the 6-weight category, 11 head at 609 lbs sold for $394.00, while 24 head at 805 lbs brought $331.00, marking a new record for 8-weights.  The barn also posted its top two highest 9-weight sales ever, with 44 head at 925 lbs selling for $318.00 and 15 head at 931 lbs bringing $306.00.

Emporia Livestock (Emporia, KS) had a truly exceptional sale on Wednesday, setting barn and national records across multiple weight classes.   In the 10-weight division, the barn posted its top three all-time sales, featuring 28 head at 1,009 lbs for $323.00, 58 head at 1,006 lbs for $320.50, and 35 head at 1,029 lbs for $318.00—prices that now rank 2nd, 3rd, and 7th nationally for 10-weights. Emporia also established new barn highs for 9-weights with 26 head at 959 lbs for $330.00 and 23 head at 970 lbs for $321.00. In the mid-weight classes, the barn set its all-time bests with 11 head at 727 lbs for $374.00 on 7-weights and 12 head at 655 lbs for $379.00 on 6-weights. 

On Wednesday afternoon, August CME Feeder Cattle futures closed at $345.025, up $3.975 on the day. The RTI 7-Day Feeder Index settled at $341.52, gaining $0.97, and now sits $3.51 below futures. Meanwhile, the National Steer Price declined $3.46 to $346.44, still holding a slight premium of $1.42 over the futures.

• CME Feeder Cattle (AUG):  $345.025  (+3.975) 
• RTI Feeder Index (7-Day):  $341.52  (+0.97)  
• National Steer Price:  $346.44   (-3.46)

Feeder cattle sales on Wednesday were led by OKC West (El Reno, OK) with 3,663 head, followed by JC (Junction City, KS) with 2,557 head. Mitchell (Mitchell, SD) reported 1,441 head, while Coffeyville - KS (North Town) (Coffeyville, KS) sold 1,139 head. Cherokee (Cherokee, OK) rounded out the top barns with 1,030 head.  Receipts on Wednesday were 27% higher than last Wednesday.