Heated market for finished cattle

Widespread rain in the Chaco region and delays in foot-and-mouth vaccination have noticeably curbed supply. “The packers are chasing after cattle,” an intermediary noted. This week, common steers were paid around US$3.90 per kilo carcass weight, while cows were at US$3.60. For larger-volume transactions, sales have already reached US$4.00 for steers, while feedlot operations get a premium of 3–5% above listed prices. Bookings are very tight, even though most plants will slaughter until next Wednesday, April 16, for Easter and then resume activities on Monday, April 21.