Ontario fed cattle prices were stronger last week while replacement prices were mixed.
Fed steers averaged 175.07 - down over 5 dollars from the previous week but almost 53 dollars stronger than a year ago.
Fed heifers averaged 172.35 - down 1.40 from the previous week, just over 47 dollars higher than a year ago.
Beef Farmers of Ontario reports average rail grade prices were up a dollar from the previous week and 85.25 stronger than a year ago.
Marketings of fed steers were up 36 head from the previous week and more than 250 more than in 2013.
Replacement cattle marketings were down 680 head from the previous week but 171 more than in 2013.
Prices on replacements were steady to slightly lower.
BFO has average steer prices ranging from about 12 dollars lower for 5-600 pounders to 4.66 stronger for 800-900 pound animals.
Heifers ranged from almost 15 dollar lower for 800-900 pounders to 22.36 higher for 300-400 pound animals.
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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 December 18, 2014 This week at auction markets there were 823 fed steers and heifers sold, up 36 from last week and 253 more than the same time last year. Fed steers traded from $157.48-$185.40 averaging $175.07 down $5.18 from last week and $52.91 stronger than last year at this time. Fed heifers sold from $155.81-$182.26 averaging $172.35 down $1.40 from last week and $47.20 higher than last year at this time. Auction markets reported trade as active with prices steady. Demand was reported as selective by the end of the week. Compared to last week, the volume of fancy cattle was lower.
Ontario rail grade prices the previous Friday were steady at $298.00-$302.00 dressed for steers and $297.00-$301.00 for heifers. On Monday the prices improved on the bottom end of the range and held steady the remained of the week with steers now at $300.00-$302.00 dressed and heifers at $299.00-$301.00. This week's average prices are up $1.00 from last week and $85.25 stronger than last year at this time, on average.
There were 3,502 cull cows sold through auction markets this week up 60 head from last week and 225 less than last year at this time. Cull cows traded from $81.63-$118.97 averaging $101.20 down $2.68 from last week but still $33.08 stronger than last year at this time. Auction market reports started out this reporting period as lower, but by early to mid-week demand was good and prices were steady. Cows ended the week under pressure.
There were 5,213 replacement cattle sold through auction markets this week down 680 head from last week and 171 more than last year at this time. Auction markets reported calves as steady to slightly lower while yearlings were slightly lower to under pressure, up to $4.00 lower in spots. By the end of the week prices were holding steady to the week's decline. Actual average prices this week for steers 400-500 lbs were down $10.84 from last week, 500-600 lbs down $11.98, 600-700 lbs down $3.18, 700-800 lbs down $3.08, 800-900 lbs averaged $4.66 stronger, 900-1000 lbs down $9.04 and steers over 1000 lbs averaged $7.44 lower than last week's average price. Heifers 300-400 lbs averaged $22.36 higher than last week, 400-500 lbs up $15.41, 500-600 lbs up $1.50, 600-700 lbs down $2.80, 700-800 lbs up $9.81, 800-900 lbs down $14.99 and heifers over 900 lbs averaged $11.56 lower than last week's average prices.
The Quebec Electronic Market this week ranged from $296.50-$298.00 dressed, down $0.25 from last week on average.
Alberta direct trade this week was light with Canfax reporting live steers at $178.00 down $4.60 on average while dressed steers sold from $298.50-$300.50. Heifers were reported at $299.25 dressed, down $1.75 on average.
The U.S. cash cattle cattle trade for the week ending December 11th, as reported by the USDA Mandatory Price Report, showed live steers and heifers trading from $160.00-$164.00 live, down approximately $4.00 from the previous week's weighted average prices, while business on the rail ranged from $254.00-$258.00 dressed, down around $7.81 on average. Live steers averaged $162.38 down from $166.83 the previous week, while heifers averaged $163.12 live down from $167.28. Dressed steers averaged $256.12 down from $263.95 the previous week with heifers at $255.97 down from $263.78. This week some light trade on Wednesday and Thursday were under further pressure with live sales from $155.50-$158.00 and dressed deals from $248.00-$252.00, which is approximately $6.00-$7.00 lower than last week. Today bids have surfaced at $158.00 live and $250.00 dressed in Nebraska while asking prices are at $160.00 live and $255.00 dressed. The Cattle on Feed Report will be released this afternoon which could mean trade will be delayed until afterwards. Jamie Gamble, Market Information Coordinator, Beef Farmers of Ontario. The next report will be on January 9, 2015. From of all of us here at Beef Farmers of Ontario I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
