The combined sales volume of Wyoming, western Nebraska, and western North and South Dakota auctions for the week ending Dec. 17, totaled 8,000 head, compared to 2,700 head last week and 6,050 head last year, according to the USDA Market News Service, Torrington, Wyo.

Compared to last week at auctions throughout Wyoming, feeder steer and heifers calves sold $2 to $4 higher, yearlings not well tested. Demand was good. Direct feeder steers were steady with last week and heifers were not comparable. Direct trade was slow. Demand was moderate to good. Buyer inquiry was moderate. Offerings were light to moderate. Most feedlots reported to be near full. Unless otherwise noted direct prices are current FOB with a 2 to 3% shrink or equivalent and with a 5 to 10 cent slide on calves and 3 to 6 cents slide on yearlings from base weight. Steers made up 78% of the supply, heifers 22%, with 93% weighing over 600 pounds. Direct sales accounted for 2430 head of the total receipts.

Steers: Auctions, Medium and large frame 1, 350 to 400 lbs., 161.00 to 178.00; 400 to 450 lbs., 150.50 to 172.00; 450 to 500 lbs., 142.00 to 159.00; 500 to 550 lbs., 126.50 to 150.00, mostly 144.00 to 150.00; 550 to 600 lbs., 124.00 to 137.00; calves 600 to 650 lbs., 119.50 to 135.25; calves 650 to 700 lbs., 116.00 to 123.00; 700 to 800 lbs., 111.50 to 121.25; 800 to 900 lbs., 109.00 to 113.25; 970 to 1000 lbs., 102.00 to 106.00; 1020 lbs., 104.00. Medium and large frame 1 and 2, 390 lbs., 155.00; 420 to 500 lbs., 132.00 to 148.00; 525 to 530 lbs., 131.00 to 133.00; 560 to 600 lbs., 117.50 to 120.00; 645 lbs., 120.50; 715 lbs., 109.00. Medium frame 1 and 2, 620 lbs., 109.00. Direct, Medium and large frame 1, 675 lbs., 127.00 delivered; calves 700 lbs., 115.00; calves 740 lbs., 122.00 delivered; calves 750 lbs., 118.00 January; 825 lbs., 118.00 delivered. Basis trades delivered price 750 lbs., steady with January CME for January delivery.

Heifers: Auctions, Medium and large frame 1, 315 to 400 lbs., 141.00 to 163.00; 400 to 450 lbs., 132.00 to 146.50, fancy 415 lbs., 150.00; 450 to 500 lbs., 135.50 to 145.00; 500 to 550 lbs., 123.00 to 135.50; 550 to 600 lbs., 115.50 to 127.00; 600 to 650 lbs., 110.50 to 120.00; calves 650 to 700 lbs., 110.00 to 117.00; 720 lbs., 115.00; 800 to 850 lbs., 110.00 to 112.00; 885 lbs., 100.00 to 108.25; 910 to 980 lbs., 104.10 to 107.00; 1040 lbs., 92.00. Medium and large frame 1 and 2, 375 lbs., 145.00; 450 to 500 lbs., 115.00 to 132.50; 525 to 575 lbs., 118.50 to 121.00; 835 lbs., 106.50. Medium and large frame 2 and 3, 415 lbs., 121.00. Direct, Medium and large frame 1, 540 lbs., 131.00; calves 700 lbs., 113.00; calves 750 lbs., 114.00 delivered.