D1, D2 cows were $47-$65.50 per hundredweight, averaging $59.08, down 81 cents. D3 cows averaged $52.09, down $3.20.Rail grade cows were $115-$118Butcher bulls were $60-$86 to average $74.30, up $1.40.Weekly cow slaughter to May 22 in Alberta was 6,724 head, compared to 7,106 head the previous week and 5,214 head from a year ago.Non-fed exports to May 15 were 3,375 head, down from 3,507 the previous week and 3,721 last year.The Canfax weighted average steer price for the week ending May 28 was $91.33 per cwt., up 62 cents, while heifers were $90.06, down 21 cents.The European debt crisis shook live cattle futures and currencies, which kept the live cash basis narrow, resulting in little U.S. trade.Sale volumes rose three percent to 24,817 head.The cash to futures basis narrowed to -$4.86 from -$6.68 the previous week.Weekly fed exports to May 15 rose 29 percent to 14,596 head. That was 120 percent higher than last year.Fed exports are up 15 percent so far this year.With wet pens, feedlot performance has been slow.Wet pens reduced feeders’ interest in buying and auction volume fell 16 percent to 26,187 head.Overall, feeder steers averaged 35 cents lower, while heifers were 72 cents higher.Steers 800 to 900 pounds and heavier fell $1.80-$4.Steers 300 to 500 lb. were 25 cents-$1.80 lower.Heifers 900 lb. and heavier were 65 cents lower, while 700 to 900 lb. were 45 cents-$2.30 higher.Weekly feeder exports to May 15 were 9,270 head, steady with the previous week but 138 percent higher than last year.With a smaller calf crop expected this year, auction volumes are expected to be smaller.Some producers might be thinking of rebuilding so there could also be fewer heifers at auction.Cow-calf pairs were $850-$1,400 per pair, averaging $1,165, up $25.Light volume of bred cows fetched $750-$1,400 per head to average $963, up $125.U.S. Choice cutouts closed at $164.83, down $2.82. Select closed at $157.52, down $4.38.Canadian AAA cutout closed at $176.08, $1.37 lower. The AA cutout was $173.92, up $1.94.The Montreal wholesale price for delivery this week rose $2 to $178-$180, due mostly to the exchange rate.Canadian retailers have done a good job featuring beef. Beef prices are average compared to other proteins.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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