Missouri Cattle Markets Face Mixed Conditions as Feeder Prices Rise and Grain Harvest Advances

FARMINGTON, Mo. — Missouri cattle producers are navigating a changing agricultural market as feeder cattle prices show strength while other portions of the livestock industry face downward pressure. Meanwhile, farmers across the state continue making progress with the fall harvest.

According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, recent livestock reports indicate strong demand for feeder cattle, even as broader cattle markets experience price declines.

Feeder Cattle Prices Climb

Missouri’s weekly cattle auction summary for October 25–31 reported that feeder cattle weighing less than 600 pounds sold for $10 to $20 more per hundredweight compared to the previous week.

Heavier feeder cattle, weighing more than 600 pounds, increased by approximately $5 to $10 per hundredweight.

A total of 30,445 cattle were reported through Missouri auctions during the week, compared to 27,135 the previous reporting period and 22,561 during the comparable period last year.

Of those cattle, 25,542 were classified as feeder cattle, representing nearly 84% of total reported receipts.

Despite the higher feeder prices, other portions of the cattle industry experienced weaker trading conditions.

Slaughter Cattle Markets Under Pressure

The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s November 6 report indicated that direct slaughter cattle trading remained limited, with many producers declining lower bids.

A small number of dressed cattle transactions were reported at approximately $340 per hundredweight, down $12 from the previous week.

The report also noted significant declines in live cattle futures, highlighting uncertainty within the broader cattle market.

For cattle producers in St. Francois County and surrounding communities, the contrasting market conditions demonstrate how prices can vary depending on cattle weight, classification, and intended market.

Missouri Farmers Continue Fall Harvest

Agricultural activity extends beyond livestock, with Missouri farmers continuing to harvest corn and soybeans while planting winter wheat.

USDA crop progress figures for the week ending November 1 showed:

• Corn: 86% harvested statewide.
• Soybeans: 79% harvested statewide.
• Winter wheat: 74% planted.
• Winter wheat emergence: 50% of the crop had emerged.

Corn harvesting was slightly ahead of the five-year average, while soybean harvesting and winter wheat planting were also progressing ahead of their respective historical averages.

The figures reflect statewide conditions and may differ from individual farms throughout Southeast Missouri.

Grain Prices Remain Important to Local Agriculture

Corn, soybean, and wheat prices continue to play an important role in the agricultural economy.

Changes in grain prices affect not only crop producers but also livestock operations that depend on purchased feed.

Market conditions can influence decisions involving livestock sales, feed purchases, crop storage, and future planting.

For farmers throughout the Parkland region, monitoring commodity prices and livestock auction activity remains an important part of managing agricultural operations.

Local Producers Encouraged to Monitor Market Reports

The Missouri Department of Agriculture provides regular livestock auction reports, grain market information, and agricultural updates.

Reports include activity from Farmington Regional Stockyards and other livestock markets throughout Southeast Missouri.

Producers can access updated market information through the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Market News website at agmarketnews.mo.gov.

MyParkland News will continue following agricultural market developments affecting farmers, ranchers, and rural communities throughout St. Francois County and Southeast Missouri.

Sources: Missouri Department of Agriculture Agricultural Market News; USDA Agricultural Marketing Service; USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.