February began with a inished cattle market displaying the same characteristics as last week and the same price references observed for the past two months.
Despite several plants being engaged in processing grainfed animals for the European 481 quota—thus reducing their interest in grassfed cattle—export-quality steers continue to be paid at around US$4.15 per kilo carcass weight. Some plants maintain that reference price and, in certain cases, could pay up to US$4.20. However, not all steers qualify for those prices; they must be uniform lots, with carcasses over 280 kilos, preferably located in the southern part of the country. Other plants keep pushing prices downward, intending to pay US$4.00-4.05 for well-finished steers but without the strict requirements of those willing to pay the higher prices mentioned above.
For cows, there is less variation, with references around US$3.80-3.85 or a few cents more.
Booking times are mixed, though generally short, at about one week.
The rainfall forecast for the coming hours will bring some relief to producers after the intense heat of recent days.
Expectations are for the market to remain active and for prices to stay largely stable.
