Cotton harvest about third done statewide

For the week ending Oct. 27, the average cash feeder steer price was virtually unchanged from a week earlier.

Price trends at individual auction markets ranged from $7 per hundredweight lower to $3 higher with many locations reporting at least some sales at steady prices. Fed cattle prices declined under pressure from lower beef values.

Cotton finished the week higher amid continued strong demand for this year's smaller U.S. crop. Corn and grain sorghum prices were down slightly from a week ago. Wheat prices closed sharply lower as exports fell below expectations.

As for futures markets, corn ended the week higher, while feeder cattle, finished cattle, cotton and wheat all closed lower.

Cooler and drier weather prevailed last week with only a few scattered showers in the eastern half of the state. Winter wheat seeding slowed down as producers wait for rain.

Cotton harvest was 27 percent complete by week's end, behind the normal 33 percent. Corn harvest is nearing completion with good yields being reported on the Northern High Plains. Soil moisture was rated adequate to short in most of the state, and many areas could use rain.

Pastures remain in mostly good to fair condition, but are being stressed by lack of moisture and cooler temperatures.