Saskatchewan cattle prices appeared to rebound last week, according to the latest cattle market update, issued by Canfax, for the week ending October 20.
Prices for most feeder steers increased week-over-week except for the 400-500lb and 900+lb categories. Feeder heifer prices were mixed with increases in the 300-400lb, 500-600lb, and 600-700lb categories, and decreases in the 400-500lb, 700-800lb, and 800+lb categories.
Feeder steer prices ranged from $303.63 per hundred weight (cwt) in the 900+lb category up to $514.83 per cwt in the 300-400lb category. Heifers ranged from $286.20 per cwt in the 800+lb category to $417.35 per cwt in the 300-400lb category.
The largest price increase for feeder steers was in the 800-900lb category with an average increase of $6.62.
The biggest increase for feeder heifers was in the 300-400lb category at $3.60 per cwt, while the largest decline was in the 700-800lb category at $6.80.
Livestock Development Intern at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Emily Taylor says the ongoing fall run of cattle going to market will limit price improvements, however, strong demand remains for feeder cattle which has supported prices. She also says feed grain prices increased slightly during the week ending October 20 but it shouldn’t have an effect on feeding margins.
Canfax reported 41,840 head of cattle sold at auction in Saskatchewan, twice as many compared to the previous week’s 21,941 head sold.
It’s also above the 40,520 head marketed during the same week last year.
Canfax also noted “the price for Alberta fed steers averaged $232.55 per cwt for the week ending October 20, which is $1.15 per cwt below the previous week.
“Prices of Alberta cows reported on October 20 were up compared to October 13. D2 cows increased on average $1.86 per cwt from the previous week to average $134.29 per cwt. D3 slaughter cows were up $1.53 per cwt over the prior week, ending the week at an average price of $122.86 per cwt.”
The chart of cattle prices for last week are below.
