Cattle and Beef Outlook According to USDA, the average dressed weights of slaughtered cattle for both steers and heifers increased in September versus August but were lighter than September 2016. The average dressed weight for a steer was 896 pounds, up 12 pounds from August and down 9 pounds from a year prior, and that for a heifer was 819 pounds, 13 pounds heavier than August and 5 pounds lighter than a year ago.

Weights are down from last year despite feed remaining cheap. Strong domestic and export demand led to both aggressive buying from packers and marketing by feeders.

Pasture conditions have also played a role. Over the summer, wildfires moved some cattle to feedlots early. Meanwhile, improved winter pasture condit...