Minor reaction to lower dollar
SASKATOON (Staff) — The lower Canadian dollar isn’t having the impact on cattle markets that analysts expected, although increased sales are anticipated in April.
U.S. buyers purchased only small numbers of fed cattle in Western Canada last week, although the seven-year-low in Canadian dollar value did seem to encourage U.S. fed cattle buyers in Ontario.
Prices were generally steady across the board. Steers brought $94-$96.60 and heifers $91.75-$95.50. Kill rates in the beef trade are expected to increase in April as demand improves, according to Canfax.
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In the cow trade, demand reflected continuation of the previous week’s increase. Top D1 and D2 cows sold for $71-$72.25 last week.
Feeder cattle traded strongly. Southern Alberta experienced some slowdown following the special “gather” sales of spring. Buyers are expected to stay active in all classes, particularly lighter cattle. Limited numbers of stock cows will be available now that calving is in full swing.
Canadian hog deliveries up
Hog deliveries to market were up in all western provinces except Manitoba last week.
Saskatchewan producers got an average $154.60, for their hogs, down $2.90 from the previous week. The price for number one sows also fell, by $1.20, to finish at $120.90.
The Alberta price was also down by $3.50 per ckg. to $153.90. Manitoba producers averaged $160.22, 38 cents less per ckg than the previous week.
British Columbia averaged $162.10.
