Cattle prices depend on quality offered
Fed cattle prices rose last week, but the range was wide, reflecting the quality on offer. Canfax said heavy cattle are still a problem and slaughter average weight was a record 815 pounds.
On Oct. 9 steers brought $79.75-$83 per hundredweight and heifers $82-$85.65.
The price difference between Alberta and Nebraska has narrowed. It was $7 per cwt. last week, compared to $13 in mid-September. Given falling December futures contracts and that the basis often widens closer to Christmas, there is little expectation of significantly better prices in the short term, Canfax said.
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Slaughter cow average prices were steady, but few quality animals were offered. Weak U.S. demand for boneless beef will pressure price.
Feeder prices slipped $1-$2 per cwt. as the fall run moved into full swing. In Alberta, supply was up 27 percent over last year.
Prices dip for hogs, rise for lambs
Hog prices drifted lower through the week despite a weaker Canadian dollar. Slaughter in the U.S. was strong. On Friday, Midwest terminal cash markets were $47-$48.50 (U.S.) per cwt., down about $1.50.
Prices from Canada West Foods at Innifail, Alta., this week are stronger for lambs but weaker for sheep and goats.
Base railgrade price for slaughter lambs is $2.15 per lb. Live lambs 90-110 lb. are $1-$1.08 per lb. and 110 lb and heavier are 95 cents to $1.05.
Slaughter sheep live are 20-37 cents per lb. Goat kids 50-60 lb. are 60-70 cents and those 60-90 lb. are 50 cents a lb. Billies and nannies are 20-25 cents.
