AUSTIN – (Nov. 2, 2009) For the week ending Oct. 31, 2009, feeder cattle prices at Texas auctions were mixed, with sales early in the week $3 per hundredweight higher to $3 lower and late week sales steady to $4 higher. Fed cattle were $2 higher on reduced offerings for sale and higher beef prices. Cotton prices ended the week higher amid ongoing concerns about crops in the Mississippi Delta and prospects that an economic recovery will boost global demand. Grains were lower because of a stronger U.S. dollar and improved harvest weather in the Midwest. As for futures markets, cotton and lumber were higher, while feeder cattle, finished cattle, wheat and corn were lower. Most of the state reported light to moderate amounts of rainfall during the week, but isolated locations in East Texas recorded up to 10 inches of rain. Wheat planting was 76 percent complete, well behind the normal 85 percent as wet weather delayed seedings in the Cross Timbers and Blacklands regions. Cotton harvest was active on the High Plains and now stands at 28 percent complete. However, wet weather and high winds caused delays in some areas. Grain sorghum harvest was 71 percent complete with the crop reported in mostly fair to very poor condition. Pasture conditions continued to improve, with most in good to fair condition, though the cooler temperatures and shorter days were causing some summer forages to go dormant.