AUSTIN - For the week ending Oct. 3, 2009, feeder and fed cattle prices at Texas auctions were $2 lower with slaughter lambs being sharply lower and slaughter goats being $3 higher. Cash cotton was firm and Texas grains were all generally steady for the week. As for futures markets, feeder cattle, fed cattle and cotton were lower, wheat was weak, while corn remained steady, and lumber was higher. Majority of the state experienced scattered showers, with the Eastern and Southern parts receiving 2-6 inches in isolated areas. Lowlying areas of the Northern High Plains experienced some freezing this week. Winter wheat planting continued, and the cooler temperatures slowed the cotton maturity. Corn harvesting is making good progress while sorghum is near completion. Corn is 72% harvested, with sorghum being at 67% harvested and 100% headed. Winter wheat is currently 53% planted. Range and pasture progressed well this week due to the recent rainfall throughout the state. Topsoil is mostly short to adequate statewide.

The cash prices above are market averages for locations covered by the TDA Market News program and do not reflect any particular sale at any specific location. Feeder cattle prices are for 500-600 pound medium and large #1 steers. Futures prices are quoted for the nearest month contract on the last trading day of the week. For additional information, contact TDA Market News at (800) 252-3407 or visit our Web site, www.tdamarketnews.com

Week Ending