Prices rise with demand
SASKATOON (Staff) – Active demand from local and American buyers allowed cash slaughter cattle prices to increase by $1 per hundredweight in Alberta last week.
Canfax reported top quality cattle – long yearlings relatively free of tag and longer-fed calves – were sold at the best prices.
About 12,000 head moved in Alberta, down 10 percent from the previous week. Between 30 and 40 percent of the mix included 1995 calves.
Canfax reported trade on March 21 had steers priced from $76-$78 per cwt., while heifers were bid from $74.60-$76.55.
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Canfax said a decline of $2 per cwt. for slaughter cows is likely linked to fewer quality animals being sold and a decline in demand for manufacturing beef. D1 and D1 cows were bid from $41-$50 per cwt., with top prices paid from $51-$54. Railgrade bids ranged from $87-$88.
Strength in the fed market trickled into the feeder market. Calf prices were also aided by lower barley markets. Calves suitable for grass were $1-$2 per cwt. higher, while shortkeep feeders were steady to $1 per cwt. higher.
Hog prices climb modestly
The seasonal downturn in hog prices that usually occurs in March has yet to materialize. Average Index 100 pooled prices for hogs on the Prairies were slightly higher in all three provinces.
Saskatchewan’s average price of $165.40 was up 80 cents per hundred kilograms on the week; Alberta’s price of $168.40 was up 40 cents per ckg while average prices in Manitoba were up by 15 cents to $168.40 per ckg.
