Heartland Livestock saw 1,786 cattle through the auction mart this week in Virden, Man. Prices were lower in spots due to the avian flu taking money off the futures. We’re hoping this is a short-term trend, a bump in the road. As well, fleshy cattle and cattle carrying excess tag are being discounted.
Feeders made up 80 per cent of the sale cattle this week, butchers 10 per cent and fresh calves the remaining 10 per cent. Southern Alberta buyers took 30 per cent of the cattle, Americans another 30 per cent. Local and Eastern buyers each took 20 per cent.
Steer prices as follows:
- 400-500 lbs from $400-$465.
- 500-600 lbs from $385-$438.
- 600-700 lbs from $372-$432.
- 700-800 lbs from $340-$385.
- 800-1,000 lbs from $300-$344.
Heifer prices as follows:
- 400-500 lbs from $350-$427.
- 500-600 lbs from $340-$398.
- 600-700 lbs from $315-$360.
- 700-800 lbs from $310-$330.
- 800-1,000 lbs from $310-$330.
Cows ranged from $145-$175 and bulls from $175-$195, top $205.
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