The weaker Canadian dollar helped support prices in the week that ended July 2.The weekly Canfax weighted average steer price was $84.74 per hundredweight, up 70 cents, and heifers averaged $84.39, up seven cents.Most rail prices were steady.The show list was 22 percent larger than the week before but two percent smaller than two weeks ago.Alberta slaughter of fed and nonfed cattle was 51,195 head, down two percent from the previous week.Alberta steer carcasses are down 25 pounds and heifers are down 30 pounds from a year ago.Canadian weekly fed cattle exports to June 19 were 11,503, up about 10 percent from the week before, and up 92 percent from last year. To date, exports are up 23 percent.Volume going to market is expected to increase and prices will likely fall to keep beef flowing. As pens dry, cattle performance will improve but that will bring more beef to the market.Nonfed animals were a large portion of the auction offering.D1, D2 cows were virtually steady, ranging $48-$64 per cwt. to average $55.30. D3 cow prices averaged $48.80 per cwt. Rail grade cows were $108-$112.Butcher bulls were $55-$78 to average $69, down $1.11.Weekly nonfed exports to the U.S. to June 19 were 3,983 head, down six percent from the week before and down six percent from last year.Increased volume this summer may pressure slaughter cow prices lower.Feeder prices were generally steady, but quality variations were noted.The seasonally moderate supply was supported by stronger live cattle futures and drier pen conditions.The steer average rose 32 cents per cwt. and heifers rose 75 cents.Steers 300 to 400 lb. fell 70 cents but 400 to 600 lb. rose 75-80 cents.Steers 600 to 700 lb. traded slightly lower but 700 to 800 lb. rose $1.Steers heavier than 900 lb. rose 75 cents.Heifers of all weights saw great demand.Heifers 300 to 400 lb. rose $1.40, while 400 to 500 lb. jumped $3 higher.Heifers 500 to 800 lb. also rose but 800 to 900 lb. slipped 50 cents. Those heavier than 900 lb. gained 50 cents.The Canada Day holiday reduced auction volume to 13,674 head, down 30 percent from the week before but up 19 percent from last year.Weekly feeder exports to June 19 totalled 1,971 head, down 38 percent from the previous week and 19 percent lower than last year.The light calf supply is tight because good pasture conditions will keep pairs from being split up early.The supply of bred females has dried up.With good forage supply, good pairs are also in short supply, supporting interest and prices.For the week ending July 1, U.S. Choice cutouts rose $1.14 to close at $155.62 US per cwt. and Select rose 23 cents to close at $146.96.But beef demand struggles after the July holidays and American unemployment remains high and consumer confidence is low.Weekly Canadian AAA cutouts to June 26 fell $3.25 to $157.01. AA cutouts were $153.87, down $2.44.The Montreal wholesale market for delivery this week was steady at $176-$178.This cattle market information is selected from the weekly report from Canfax, a division of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. More market information, analysis and statistics are available by becoming a Canfax subscriber by calling 403-275-5110 or at www.canfax.ca.
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