Lighter slaughter cattle prices firm
SASKATOON (Staff) – Average prices for slaughter cattle finished the week about 50 cents per hundredweight higher.
Canfax said prices are firm on the lighter weight slaughter cattle, but packers are still discounting those that weigh more than 1,375 lbs.
Averages were higher during the week because fewer of those heavyweight cattle are coming to market.
In fact, numbers of market-ready cattle declined by 14 percent the last week of September.
American buyers were able to buy cattle at the heavier end of the scale, but local packers bid higher and consequently owned more of the lighter fed steers and heifers.
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Canfax said a fluctuating loonie has kept cattle buyers on their toes recently, trading in a wide range of $73-74.50 (U.S.) last week alone.
Trade in slaughter cows was softer by $1-$2 last week, Canfax reported. Packers are expecting a seasonal increase in supplies as calves are weaned and cull cows are sent to market.
D1 and D2 cows were traded between $42-$52 per cwt., with top money paid from $52-$54. Railgrade bids also declined, trading between $88-$90 per cwt.
Trade in feeder calves was barely steady this past week, Canfax said. Averages were about 50 cents lower on calves and steady to 50 cents higher on yearlings. Volumes were up by 22 percent compared to the last week in September in 1994. Buyers are cautious.
Steers weighing 600-700 lbs, averaged $92.20 in southern Alberta; $92.04 in central Alberta; $91.60 in northern Alberta; $92.20 in Saskatchewan; $87.88 in #B.C. and $94.67 in Manitoba.
