Prices up with demand
SASKATOON (Staff) – Slaughter cattle, cow and feeder prices were all higher last week, driven by better demand from buyers and better quality animals on offer.
In the fed cattle market, feedlots are at the front-end of their yearlings, Canfax said, so supplies are relatively tight and packers are perceived to be generally in need of inventory, resulting in higher bids.
Prices for slaughter cows advanced between $1 and $1.50 per cwt. Cows grading D1/D2 were priced between $43 and $54 last week, with top sales to $56.40. On the rail, bids were between $92-$100 per cwt.
The calf market strengthened last week as well, with buying coming from eastern sources, big feedlots and farmer-feeders. Volumes are still running about 25 percent better than 1993.
Canfax said steers weighing 600-700 pounds averaged $109 in Alberta last week; $107 in Saskatchewan and $111 in Manitoba.
