Feedlots got their asking prices this week, and then some. Trade began in earnest after supper and some cattle didn't trade until after 9 pm. Texas trade came at $98.00-$99.00 live. Trade in Kansas was $98.00-$98.50 live and $156 dressed. There was some early trade in Nebraska at $97.00, but the bulk of trade came at $98.00, with a few as high as $99.00 in late trade. Trade appears to be light to moderate, but it is hard to get a handle on it since it came so late.

The choice cutout was up $1.25 at $158.41 last night, with the select up $0.90 at $150.96. Loins moved sharply higher yesterday in a big surge in demand. Ribs and end cuts also were firm. There was substantial demand for quick ship product and for additional beef for Labor Day features.

HOGS

Cash hog market calls are steady in the West and steady/higher in the East. Strong pork prices and still-limited hog runs are keeping bids strong. It sounds as though runs will be quite a bit larger next week, but packers also are planning bigger kills to take advantage of strong pork prices.

The pork cutout gained $0.57 last night. Loins were steady, with butts up another 2-4 cents. Hams were unquoted by the USDA, though we heard of some trade at higher prices from other sources. That said, it sounds as though this week will be the top in hams prices. With the Mexican duty starting as of today, and the prospect of larger slaughter next week, ideas are that the market will settle back down again next week. Bellies were quoted back to $1.50 last night as processors scrape the bottom of their freezer stocks to fill bacon orders for BLT season.