This week the box beef market was steady to higher on a larger volume. Choice prices were $.70 higher and Select prices were steady for the week.  The Choice-Select spread increased slightly but remains below the historical average.  There were 1,033 loads moved this week compared to 996 loads last week.  The Fed cattle market was steady to lower this week compared to last week with trade developing on Friday this week.  Live prices in the 5-market fed cattle area were steady at mostly $91.  Nebraska live prices were steady to lower at $89-91 and dressed prices were steady to $1 lower at $143-144 for the week.  Nebraska negotiated volume was 42,000 head, grid volume was 4,116 head,  formula volume was 14,185 head and forward contract volume was 17,291 head. The total volume this week was 77,592 head compared to 94,178 head last week.  Steer carcass weights were 2 pounds heavier at 862 pounds. Feeder cattle prices were steady to higher this week in Nebraska and were higher at Salina Utah compared to last week.  Nebraska 750 pound steers were steady and 550 pound steers were $2 higher this week.  Utah prices were $2 higher for 750 pound steers and were $4.50 higher for 550 pound steers for the week.  The CME Feeder Cattle board was a little higher for the week.  Feeder cattle basis is below the typical level for steers in Nebraska and for 500 pound steers in Utah.  Basis is above the typical level for 750 pound steers in Utah.  

The national grain markets were a little lower this past week.  Omaha corn prices were down $.02 at $3.61 per bushel for the week. Winter Wheat prices at Dodge City, KS were also $.02 lower this week and are at $4.13 per bushel. Wheat basis is below the historical average and corn basis is above the typical level.