Fed prices mimic dollar
SASKATOON (Staff) – Slaughter cattle prices were uneven last week, mimicking the dollar’s bumpy ride on world foreign currency exchanges.
Fed cattle prices opened the week by gaining $1 per hundredweight as the dollar declined, but by late in the week prices stumbled by that same amount as the dollar rallied.
Canfax reports volumes on offer were up 40 percent compared to the first week in March.
Buyers sent a definite message to the market that fall calves will get premium prices compared to two-year-old heavier cattle.
Prices on March 9 saw bigger slaughter steers bring between $91-$93.50, heifers $90.25-$92.75 while calves were bid from $94.25-$94.95.
Hog prices rebound
Increased demand from retailers helped stimulate hog prices. Index 100 pooled prices were up by $2.50 per ckg in Alberta and Saskatchewan and $2.69 per ckg in Manitoba.
