Couple of weekly highs set in the Ontario cattle market last week.
Fed steers averaged 178.05 - a new weekly high.
That was up 3.31 from the previous week and over 54 dollars stronger than last year.
Fed heifers averaged 168.29 - up 2.83 from the previous week, over 41 dollars higher than a year ago.
Fed cattle sales last week were up 158 head from both the previous week and the same week last year.
Ontario average rail grade prices were up 4.25 from the previous week and more than 80 dollars higher than a year ago.
That average was also a new high.
Replacement cattle marketings last week were up - by about 12 hundred from the week before and more than 700 more than last year.
Beef Farmers of Ontario says auction markets reported active trading with good quality and vaccinated cattle selling up to 2-3 dollars higher.
Average fed steer prices ranged from 9.41 lower to 5.98 higher, depending on the weight category.
Average fed heifer prices ranged from 10.05 lower to 9.05 higher, depending on category.
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Weekly Cattle Comments As Supplied by Beef Farmers of Ontario Ph: Toll free: 1-866-370-2333 or (519) 824-0334 Fax: (519) 824-9161 Email: markets@ontariobeef.com Comments for the week ending November 27, 2014 There were 720 fed steers and heifers sold through auction markets this week up 158 head from last week and 158 more than last year at this time. Fed steers traded from $169.71-$187.23 with a weekly weighted average price of $178.05 up $3.31 from last week and $54.53 stronger than year ago prices. This week's average is also a new weekly high. Fed heifers sold from $154.96-$175.29 averaging $168.29 up $2.83 from last week and $41.66 higher than year ago prices. Auction markets reported a very strong active trade with prices steady to stronger for most of the week and $2.00 higher by week's end.
Ontario rail grade prices improved as the week progressed. Steers started out this reporting period at $288.00-$290.00 dressed and increased to $292.00-$294.00 by Monday, ending the week at $294.00-$296.00 dressed. Heifers followed the same pricing trend starting out at $287.00-$289.00 dressed, up to $291.00-$293.00 on Monday and $293.00-$295.00 on Wednesday. The prices reported are for sales on that given day, but delivery times vary. This week's average prices are up $4.25 from last week and $80.75 stronger than last year at this time. This week's average prices are also new average highs.
Larger receipts of cull cows came to market this week with 3,556 head sold through auction markets, up 600 from last week but 273 less than last year at this time. Cull cows traded from $82.24-$119.61 averaging $101.46 down $1.01 from last week and $37.20 stronger than year ago prices. Auction markets all reported a good strong demand with prices mostly steady.
The replacement cattle market saw a few more head on offer this week as 8,128 sold through auction markets, up 1,206 head from last week and 743 more than last year at this time. Out of that 8,128 head, 5,258 of those were in the 400-700 lbs weight categories. Auction markets reported active trading with good quality and vaccinated cattle selling fully steady to stronger, up to $2.00-$3.00 higher. Medium quality and second cut were barely steady. Actual average prices this week saw lighter cattle trading steady to higher while some categories of heavier cattle saw easier prices on lighter volumes. Steers 400-500 lbs averaged $3.87 stronger than last week, 500-600 lbs were up $5.98, 600-700 lbs up $4.01, 700-800 lbs up $2.65, 800-900 lbs down $9.41, 900-1000 lbs down $2.57 and steers over 1000 lbs averaged $0.44 lower than last week's average prices. Heifers 300-400 lbs were up $4.72 from last week on average, 400-500 lbs down $3.88, 500-600 lbs down $0.83, 600-700 lbs down $0.04, 700-800 lbs down $10.05, 800-900 lbs down $5.10 and heifers over 900 lbs averaged $9.05 higher than last week on average.
The Quebec Electronic Market traded stronger again this week with prices reported from $292.75-$294.25 up $4.24 from last week on averaged.
Alberta direct trade this week has been very light at higher prices, up $3.00-$5.00 on the live market, with steers reported from $179.00-$181.00. Canfax reported US packer buying interest this week.
The U.S. cash cattle trade the week ending Nov 20th was light on Friday afternoon with stronger prices. The USDA Mandatory Price Report saw live sales range from $168.00-$174.50 live, with steers averaging $171.15 up from $169.90 the previous week while heifers averaged $171.83 live up from $170.21. On the rail prices ranged from $265.00-$270.00 dressed with steers averaging $267.56 up from $264.80 the previous week, while heifers averaged $267.43 up from $265.37. This week light to moderate trade developed on Wednesday afternoon with live prices steady to last week from $168.00-$173.00 averaging $171.96 for steers and $172.22 for heifers. Dressed deals ranged from $264.00-$270.00 around $1.00 lower than last week with steers averaging $266.41 dressed and heifers at $266.94. Today, Friday, a few bids have surfaced at $265.00 dressed in the north but sellers don't seem interested. Asking prices are holding firm at $173.00-$174.00 live and $270.00 plus dressed, but at this point it looks like business for the week, as light as it was, is completed. Jamie Gamble, Market Information Coordinator, Beef Farmers of Ontario
