Western Manitoba, courtesy of Heartland Livestock Services
Just over 2,700 cattle went through Virden in the last week. Three-quarters were feeders, 15 per cent butcher cattle and 10 per cent calves. About 40 per cent of the cattle went to local buyers, 30 per cent went east, 20 per cent to southern Alberta and 10 per cent to the U.S.
The market is very strong. Positive futures and lower feed prices have created the perfect storm. A neutral cattle-on-feed report and a sheer lack of feeder cattle is making for an ultra-competitive environment. This looks like a long-term trend, with cattle feeders wanting to buy cattle that will go as far out as possible.
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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 May…
Major players are on the market and adding big dollars to all classes under 800 lbs. Steer prices as follows:
- 400-500 lb. from $410-$480.
- 500-600 lb. from $410-$448.
- 600-700 lb. from $350-$401.
- 700-800 lb. from $325-$370.
- 800-1,000 lb. from $290-$317.
Heifer prices came in as follows:
- 400-500 lb. from $370-$426.
- 500-600 lb. from $330-$384.
- 600-700 lb. from $280-$335.
- 700-800 lb. from $240-$302.
- 800-1,000 lb. from $245-$295.
Cows ranged from $110-$135, and bulls from $140-$165.
