SASKATOON (Staff) — Canadian cattle markets are still adjusting to lower markets in the United States. Prices in the southern plains feedlot belt were consistently $70 (U.S.) per cwt last week.
Canfax reports slaughter cattle were bid in a wide range as packers had a hard time deciding what to bid for cattle on offer. Trade on May 12 had steers between $87.30-$90.25 per hundredweight and heifers from $87.00- $88.00 per cwt.
With lower American prices, there was understandably little or no U.S. interest in the Canadian markets. There was, however, interest from eastern Canada and Canfax reports several loads of cattle were successfully purchased by eastern buyers.
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While prices were steady on the week, the number of cattle on offer was down by nearly half. That helped to hold prices together.
Cow trade is also holding together because of smaller numbers on offer and neither are those numbers forecast to increase. That will keep prices steady. Prices for D1 and D2 cows ranged from $58-$69 with top sales made at $71. There’s also been a decrease in the volume of feeders on offer with prices down about 50 cents per cwt. — a reflection of the lesser quality of the animals offered for sale.
Hog sales light
Prices in the hog markets continued their slide last week, while volumes followed suit.
In Alberta, about 37,000 head were sold for a pooled Index 100 price of $145.20 per hundred kilograms. Sales in Saskatchewan were just over 18,500 head, at a price of $147 per ckg, while Manitoba’s sales were up a bit at just over 33,000 head and a price of $151.41.
