The name is absent

Table 4. AVERAGE PRICES AND WEIGHTS FOR SIX WEIGHT GROUPS FOR ALL ANIMALS, FOUR
LOUISIANA AUCTION MARKETS, JUNE 28,1970, THROUGH JUNE 27.1972 ____________

Percentage of
annual average

Figure 1. SEASONAL PRICE INDEXES FOR SIX
WEIGHT GROUPS, ALL ANIMALS,
FOUR LOUISIANA AUCTION
MARKETS, JUNE 27, 1970, THROUGH
JUNE 28,1972.

information and the limited number of observations
in the heavier weight groups preclude a more detailed
analysis.

Average prices and weights by weight group for
all animals for each of the four auction market
locations are shown in Table 4. While prices among
auction locations were significantly different, the
differences were generally small. The average weight
of animals within the two extreme weight groups
varied considerably among auctions. This, in part,
accounts for the larger price differences among
auction locations in those two weight groups.

The indexes of seasonal prices for the six weight
groups are shown in Figure 1. Seasonal price patterns
for the lowest and the two highest weight groups
were each distinctively different from all others. Price
patterns for the other three weight groups, including
animals from 275 to 600 pounds, had distinct
similarities with differences primarily in magnitude.
However, standard deviations in price differed
considerably among these three weight groups,
ranging from $4.33 to $6.19 per hundredweight
(Table 3).

Prices of animals weighing between 676 and 800
pounds were very erratic, while prices for animals
between 601 and 675 pounds were very stable
throughout the year. Prices within the four lighter
weight groups (150-600 pounds) showed considerable
seasonal Huctuation during the first 32 weeks, but
were relatively stable for the remainder of the year.

The significant differences in price associated
with weight, sex, market location, and their allied
seasonal patterns (Table 2) indicate that these factors
must be accounted for within a price reporting
system. Otherwise, the recorded price data may not
provide adequate decision information for planning
future production.

Revised calf and yearling reporting classifications
based on these findings were recommended to the
Market News Service of the Louisiana Dept, of
Agriculture. The revised classifications include sex
distinction for the six weight groups with selective
grade reporting. The revised categories were adopted
in March, 1974. Subsequent Louisiana cattle price

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