This week the box beef market was higher on a smaller volume. Choice prices were up about $2 and Select prices were up about $4 for the week.  The Choice-Select spread decreased and is at the historical average.  There were 921 loads moved this week compared to 1,315 loads last week.  The Fed cattle market was lower this week compared to last week with light trade developing on Friday this week.  Live prices in the 5-market fed cattle area were down $2 and averaged $123.82.  Fed steer weights were 10 pound lighter and averaged 899 pounds. Nebraska live prices were $1-2 lower and were at $124 and dressed prices were $2 lower with trade at $200/cwt. for the week.  Nebraska negotiated volume was 28,017 head, grid volume was 2,940 head, formula volume was 23,997 head and forward contract volume was 11,531 head. The total volume this week was only 66,485 head compared to 99,315 head last week.  Feeder cattle prices were higher this week in Nebraska and were higher at Salina Utah.  Nebraska 750 pound steers were $3 higher and 550 pound steers were $5 higher this week.  Utah prices were up $4 for 750 pound steers and were $2 higher for 550 pound steers. The CME Feeder Cattle board was $1.50 higher for the week. Basis in Nebraska was above the typical levels for 750 lb steers and was above the average for 550 lb feeder cattle.  Salina, UT basis was near the average for 750 pound steers and was at the average for 550 pound steers.

The national grain markets were higher this past week.  Omaha corn prices were up $.30 and were at $6.42 per bushel for the week. Winter Wheat prices at Dodge City, KS were up $.51 this week and are at $6.66 per bushel. Wheat basis is above the historical average and corn basis is above the typical level.