The rush is on to price this fall’s calves to grab some of the best money paid in recent memory.
Large volumes of feeder calves are moving through the ring or via satellite auction, commanding as much as $1.80 per pound for 300 to 400-lb. calves.
From Kamloops to Winnipeg, the auction markets are jumping.
“We’ve seen the highest priced calves in history,” said Blair Vold, of Vold Jones Vold auction at Ponoka, Alta.
This central Alberta yard is a gateway for calves and cows coming from dried out northern regions where community pastures closed in August. Heavier culling of open cows or late calvers, as well as high quality steers, are apparent from these northern herds.
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Big numbers
Last week more than 8,500 calves went through the ring at Ponoka. Nilsson Bros at Clyde, Alta., has had about 6,000 head a week come through for the last six weeks.
To sweeten the pot, grain and hay are plentiful this year.
“Grain is cheap and there is an abundance of it around,” Vold said.
Auctions are also watching producers use satellite sales where they are pricing calves using today’s prices for later delivery in mid-October to mid-November.
Farther south, Will Irvine at the Calgary Public Stockyards said the staff barely have time to catch their breath since so many people are phoning and booking calves for the weekly sales.
Irvine said the fall calves are 25 to 50 lb. lighter than usual but with these prices, it is hard to resist putting them on the block.
“The farm financial situation is really tough even for the cattle guy. It’s not a bed of roses for him and he can’t resist this high market,” said Irvine.
While the prices are enticing, Irvine advises caution because nothing lasts forever and markets could soon soften across the West.
“People are nervous about what will happen in October,” said Desmond Plewman of the Winnipeg Stockyards.
In Manitoba, large volumes of feeders are coming to town sooner than expected. They don’t usually see them until later in the season but, “a lot of guys have fall payments,” Plewman said.
Last Friday there were 3,200 calves and 80 percent of them were in the 425 to 550-lb. range. Smaller calves at 375 lb. were bid as high as $1.73.
Winnipeg is a good source of calves for the Ontario feeding market. A hot, dry summer hastened the corn harvest and feedlot owners there are ready to fill their pens because the corn is ready.
Matter of timing
Anne Dunford of Canfax said the strong prices are drawing calves across the West. Capturing the top prices all comes down to timing, she said.
While some farmers may still be out on the combine bringing in this year’s harvest, they are taking advantage of services like satellite auctions where they can price now for delivery next month.
Canfax is predicting fewer feeders overall will be available this fall.
Heifers are trading for nearly as much as steers and since this has been the trend for the last couple years, fewer have been held back for breeding a new crop of calves.
“When the dust is all settled, there will be fewer calves trading,” Dunford said.
