CLARA LIVE:   šŸ†   Best Week in Feeder Cattle History:  Every Weight Class from 4 to 10 Sets New Record ā€” 36 National Highs Fall šŸ†

This week delivered the strongest feeder cattle market in U.S. history, rewriting the record books from top to bottom. An incredible 36 national records out of 80 were set, led by explosive demand for heavyweight cattle. The 10-weight class broke new ground, eclipsing the $300 mark for the first time ever on Wednesdayā€”then doing it 14 more times before weekā€™s end. The pinnacle came with 104 head averaging 1,008 lbs from Bassett, NE bringing $314.00/cwt, setting the new high-water mark for 10-weight steers. Even more remarkable, every national weighted average from 400 lbs to over 1,000 lbs posted all-time highs, including 400ā€“499 lb calves at $448.86 and 900ā€“999 lb steers at $310.07. From light calves to the biggest feeders, the entire market surged to levels never seen beforeā€”cementing this week as the most powerful in feeder cattle market history.

Fort Scott Livestock delivered the biggest sale in its history on Saturday, smashing 32 barn records and setting 9 new state records in the process. The barn posted all-time highs for 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, and 9-weight steers, a rare and remarkable sweep. Among the standout sales, the top nine 8-weight prices in barn history were all set during the day, led by 64 head averaging 881 lbs at $321.50/cwt. In the 6-weight division, 15 head averaging 609 lbs brought $396.00/cwt, the highest of the day and now the 2nd highest 6-weight price in Kansas historyā€”one of four state records set in that weight class alone. For 7-weights, 12 head at 710 lbs sold for $362.00/cwt, ranking 3rd all-time in Kansas, with four state records also broken in that category. A truly historic day at Fort Scott.

Fredonia Livestock delivered a standout, record-breaking sale on Friday, shattering expectations with 9 new barn records, 4 Kansas state records, and 2 national records. Most impressively, they posted all-time highs for 8-, 9-, and 10-weight steersā€”a feat rarely seen in any market. Their top five 8-weight sales in barn history were all set during the day, including a powerful set of 61 head averaging 820 lbs at $333.75/cwt, which now ranks 2nd all-time in the state of Kansas. In the 9-weight class, 113 head averaging 911 lbs sold for $323.75/cwt, taking the #1 spot in Kansas history and landing 6th nationally. Capping off the day, a massive group of 165 head averaging 1,012 lbs brought $303.75/cwt, setting the all-time record at Fredonia, the state record, and placing 10th in U.S. history. It was a stand-up day all aroundā€”one that will be remembered across Kansas and beyond.

Bluegrass Richmond had a Friday for the record books, setting nine new barn records, including a clean sweep of the top five all-time 9-weight sales in barn historyā€”all set in a single day. Leading the charge, 60 head averaging 903 lbs brought $324.50/cwt, a sale that now ranks #2 all-time in Kentucky and an impressive 4th nationally. Close behind, 115 head averaging 886 lbs sold for $325.25/cwt, setting a new barn record for 8-weights and landing as the 7th highest 8-weight sale in Kentucky history. It was a day of elite cattle and elite prices at Bluegrass Richmond.

Hats off to Eastern Missouri Commission (Bowling Green, MO) for an outstanding sale on Friday, July 11, 2025, that rewrote the barnā€™s record books. The market delivered the top two highest 5-weight sales in barn history, including a new all-time record of $413.00/cwt on 11 head at 538 lbs. The strength continued into the heavier classes, where the barn posted the top four all-time 6-weight salesā€”led by 14 head at 601 lbs bringing $402.50ā€”and also claimed the top two prices ever recorded for 7-weight steers, highlighted by a powerful draft of 15 head at 704 lbs that sold for $343.00. It was a banner day across the board in Bowling Green.

The feeder cattle futures market continues its powerful surge, with August CME Feeder Cattle closing Friday at $325.33, up a sharp $4.05 on the day. Notably, futures have now overtaken the cash market, a rare but telling signal of market sentiment.   The RTI 7-day Feeder Index edged up slightly to $320.01 (+$0.13), while the National Steer Price actually slipped by $3.89 to $316.89. This divergence highlights just how aggressively futures traders are pricing in continued strength ahead, even as cash prices pause or pull back slightly.

  • šŸ„ CME Feeder Cattle (AUG):  $325.325  (+4.05) 
  • šŸ“Š RTI Feeder Index (7-Day):  $320.01  (+0.13)  
  • šŸ† National Steer Price:  $316.89   (-3.89)

The top five cattle auctions by head count on Friday were led by Fredonia (Fredonia, KS) with 1,635 head, followed by Torrington Markets (Torrington, WY) with 1,483 head. Eastern Missouri (Bowling Green, MO) moved 1,237 head, Tri-State (Abingdon, VA) handled 1,158 head, and Turlock (Turlock, CA) rounded out the top five with 995 head.

Hats off to Lake Cumberland Livestock Market in Somerset, KY, for making history on July 12, 2025, with record-smashing sales in the 7- and 8-weight steer categories. A standout group of 68 head averaging 752 lbs brought $350.00/cwt, ranking 6th all-time in Kentucky. Even more impressive, 63 head averaging 816 lbs sold for $336.00/cwt, setting a new Kentucky state record and marking the 6th highest 8-weight sale ever recorded nationally. Both sales set all-time highs for their respective weight classes at the barn, capping off an unforgettable day at Lake Cumberland.

šŸ”Ÿ Historic Surge: All-Time Highs Across Every Feeder Weight Class šŸš€šŸ‚

šŸ”„ These weighted average prices represent the highest ever recorded nationally for each respective weight class. This historic surge reflects intense demand, limited supply, and a market fueled by exceptional confidence across the feeder spectrum.


Rob Cook, NationalBeefWire.com