The number of fed cattle sold in Ontario last week was down about a third from the week before.
Beef Farmers of Ontario reports the average fed steer price was up 15 cents on the week while heifers were down 36 cents.
Those averages were over 40 dollars below a year ago for the steers, almost 39 dollars lower for the heifers.
Ontario railgrade cattle prices were up almost 8 dollars from the week before but over 73 dollars lower than a year ago.
Cull cow volumes were slightly lower last week with the average price down about 2 dollars.
That average was over 35 dollars lower than a year ago.
And BFO reports about a thousand fewer head of replacement cattle sold in the province last week.
Ontario auction markets reported trade as steady with some reporting prices from 2-15 dollars higher.
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Weekly Cattle Comments - As Supplied by Beef Farmers of Ontario Toll free: 1-866-370-2333 or Local: (519) 824-0334 Fax: (519) 824-9161 Email: markets@ontariobeef.com
Comments for the week ending May 26, 2016 The live fed cattle market saw 432 head sold through auction markets, down 287 head from last week and 57 less than this time last year. Fed steers ranged from $150.24-$164.06 averaging $158.27 up $0.15 from last week and $40.66 below last year at this time. Fed heifers sold from $148.02-$164.69 averaging $156.67 down $0.36 from last week and $38.75 below year ago prices. Auction markets reported active trade with prices steady to last week's market with fancy cattle bringing good premiums.
The Ontario railgrade market improved as the week progressed. Steers started out this reporting period at $256.00-$260.00 dressed and ended the week at $258.00-$263.00, while heifers followed the same trend starting out at $255.00-$259.00, ending the week from $255.00-$262.00 dressed. This week's average prices are up $7.75 from last week, but $73.25 below last year at this time.
Slightly lower receipts of 2,047 cull cows sold through auction markets this week down 301 from last week, and 18 less than last year at this time. Cull cows sold from $71.97-$103.20 averaging $86.90 down $1.58 from last week, but $35.14 below last year at this time. Auction markets reported trade as steady with prices slightly easier early in the week and then mostly steady prices by the end of the week.
5,291 stocker and feeder cattle sold through auction markets, down 941 head from last week but 1,209 more than last year at this time. Auction markets reported trade as steady with some reporting prices $2.00-$15.00 cwt higher. Actual average prices for this week saw steers 400-500 lbs averaging $9.16 higher than last week, 500-600 lbs up $12.91, 600-700 lbs up $19.12, 700-800 lbs up $8.50, 800-900 lbs up $7.93, and steers over 900 lbs averaged $1.17 lower than last week on average. Heifers 300-400 lbs were up $16.86 from last week on average, 400-500 lbs up $6.97, 500-600 lbs up $6.75, 600-700 lbs up $14.44, 700-800 lbs up $8.96, and heifers over 800 lbs averaged $2.74 higher than last week on average.
The Quebec Electronic Market, for the week ending May 26th, sold from $261.75-$265.00, up $11.20 from the previous week on average.
Alberta trade has been quiet this week. The Alberta cash cattle trade, for the week ending May 26th, was too light to establish a price report but dressed sales were reported at $5.00-$10.00 lower than the previous week. Live sales are $2.00-$4.00 lower than last week's average price. Cattle purchased with a two week delivery were $267.00-$270.00 delivered.
The U.S. cash cattle trade for this week has been light to moderate with live prices reported at $125.00. Northern dressed prices ranged from $195.00-$198.00. Friday morning has been quiet with no trade to report as of yet. Amber McIntyre for Jamie Gamble, Market Information Coordinator, Beef Farmers of Ontario.
