Market Ready Cattle See Gains In Saskatchewan

Feeder steer and heifer prices in Saskatchewan were higher across all weight categories last week.

 

The largest price increase was seen in the 700-800lb weight category, increasing $5.90 per cwt to end the week at an average price of $187.40 per cwt. The smallest increase was seen in the 300-400lb weight category, increasing by $1.47 per cwt to end the week at an average price of $263.30 per cwt. The 800-900lb weight category ended the week at an average price of $176.93 per cwt. The weekly average steer price, across the reported weight categories, was $210.64 per cwt in Saskatchewan.

 

Saskatchewan feeder heifer prices were mixed but mainly higher across the reported weight categories when compared to prices the previous week. The largest price increase was seen in the 500-600lb weight category, increasing $4.08 per cwt to end the week at an average price of $192.08 per cwt. Decreases were seen in both the 300-400lb and 800+lb weight categories, with prices decreasing by $3.25 per cwt and $2.36 per cwt respectively. The 700-800lb weight category had an increase of $2.83 per cwt to end the week at an average price of $167.00 per cwt. The weekly average heifer price across the reported weight categories was $185.62 per cwt in Saskatchewan.

 

Provincial Cattle Specialist Natasha Wilkie says a number of factors are influencing the markets.

 

"We look at the futures markets both the live and feeder futures markets were both up last week. Feed grains also remained fairly steady last week and choice beef cut-out prices have been steadily increasing since beginning of 2021. So those would all provide support for those feeder markets."

 

Wilkie says Canfax reported some strong numbers for last week with 17,696 head moving through the market up from 9,094 the previous week.

 

"I'm guessing a lot of it has to do with weather. You know, last week was a pretty good week for hauling cattle, this week its extremely cold. You know, I don't know if there's an insight, it feels like that way anyway. So, I'm guessing people were just getting their calves to town while they could."

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