AUSTIN - (Feb. 16, 2010) For the week ending Feb. 13, feeder cattle price trends at Texas auctions were again mixed, mostly steady to $2 higher per hundredweight with a few locations to $4 lower. Wet conditions continued to limit livestock movement and many auctions had very light volumes for sale. Fed cattle prices were nearly $2.50 higher as light offerings and higher beef values boosted markets. Cotton and grain prices were higher after USDA released a favorable supply and demand report early in the week. As for futures markets, feeder cattle, fed cattle, cotton, wheat and corn were higher, while lumber was lower. Most of the state received one to three inches of rain during the week with lighter amounts in the Trans-Pecos and South Texas. Topsoil moisture was rated mostly adequate to surplus. Soils in many areas were saturated, delaying fieldwork, hindering livestock movement and making supplemental feeding difficult. The rains have been a benefit for the winter wheat crop, though fertilizer and pesticide applications have been delayed. The crop was rated in mostly fair to good con- dition.

All 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 No. 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.tdamarket news.com.

Week Ending

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