Cash cattle hit new high with margins

FORT SUMNER — Cash cattle prices hit their highest point in seven years the week of Oct. 22, reaching $150.52 per cwt., generally $3 higher than the previous week, and average closeout were $158 per head in the black that week, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

Packer margins averaged $16 per head two weeks ago, a recovery after the previous week saw packers losing $15 per head.