Southern Saskatchewan, courtesy of Whitewood Livestock
This week 2,900 cattle went through the ring, with half heading to southern Alberta, 35 per cent to Eastern Canada, 10 per cent to the U.S. and five per cent to local buyers. The majority (97 per cent) of those animals were fresh calves, and the remainder split evenly between butcher cattle and feeders.
Markets were under seasonal pressure this week. We could be seeing lower prices due to big volumes of calves moving across the country. Those looking to sell calves in the short term should note we’re full for the next three weeks.
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Cattle Market Summary
Break-evens, cow and calf prices, plus market summaries courtesy of Canfax and Beef Farmers of Ontario. Cost of Production June…
Steer prices were as follows:
- 400-500 lbs. ranged from $400-$469.
- 500-600 lbs. ranged from $370-$426.
- 600-700 lbs. ranged from $332-$390.
- 700-800 lbs. ranged from $312-$352.
Heifer prices were as follows:
- 400-500 lbs. ranged from $324-$382.
- 500-600 lbs. ranged from $284-$345.
- 600-700 lbs. ranged from $280-$322.
- 700-800 lbs. ranged from $270-$311.
Cows brought anywhere from $120-$157, and bulls $174-$187.
Western Manitoba, courtesy of Heartland Livestock Services
We saw 3,800 cattle through the auction at Virden this week. Most weight classes held steady, although 500-600 lb. steers and heifers were down $15, and 600-700 steers and heifers were down $10. The market softened due to a significant correction in the futures, record volumes and a change in the weather.
Do not short-wean your calves for a week to five weeks and ship. The cattle will be at their worst health-wise. If you aren’t selling off the cow, keep them for eight weeks after weaning and get them eating so they get their bloom back.
