The number of fed steers and heifers sold is up by a fair margin when you compare the past week's numbers to the same period last year.
The Beef Farmer's Of Ontario says there were 641 fed steers and heifers sold through Ontario auction markets, that's 187 more than last year at this time.
The prices are stronger too as fed steers traded $203.26 on average - $50.87 stronger than year ago prices.
Fed heifers sold $201.12 on average and $48.89 stronger than last year at this time.
Auction markets reported a good strong active trade in replacement cattle with good demand and prices anywhere from $1.00-$5.00 higher than the previous week.
The US cash cattle trade for the week ending June 4th has been very quiet.
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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 June 4, 2015 There were 641 fed steers and heifers sold through Ontario auction markets this week up 152 head from last week, and 187 more than last year at this time. Fed steers traded from $194.42-$210.72 averaging $203.26 up $4.33 from last week and $50.87 stronger than year ago prices. Fed heifers sold from $191.30-$210.38 averaging $201.12 up $5.70 from last week and $48.89 stronger than last year at this time. Auction markets reported a good strong active trade with good demand and prices anywhere from $1.00-$5.00 higher than last week.
Ontario rail grade prices started this reporting period on a stronger note with steers at $337.00-$339.00 dressed. Prices held steady until Wednesday when the range changed to $336.00-$339.00 dressed. Heifers followed the same pricing trend starting out stronger at $336.00-$338.00 dressed then changed to $335.00-$338.00 dressed by week's end. This week's average prices are $4.75 stronger than last week and up $76.25 from last year at this time.
There were 1,897 cull cows sold through auction markets this week, down 168 head from last week and down 240 head from last year at this time. Cull cows traded from $104.06-$144.33 averaging $123.81 up $1.77 from last week and $26.00 stronger than last year at this time. Auction markets reported active trading at steady to stronger prices, with one report of prices $2.00-$3.00 higher.
There were 4,714 replacement cattle sold through auction markets this week up 632 head from last week but 989 less than last year at this time. Auction markets reported active trade at steady to strong prices with light weight cattle trading $2.00 - $5.00 higher earlier on this week. Heavier cattle were reported from $1.00-$2.00 higher early in the week. Actual average prices this week saw steers 400-500 lbs average $0.69 higher than last week, 500-600 lbs up $16.85, 600-700 lbs down $8.74, 700-800 lbs up $0.51, 800-900 lbs up $8.82 and 900-1000 lbs averaged $10.71 lower than last week. Heifers 300-400 lbs averaged $39.90 less than last week, 400-500 lbs were up $10.00, 500-600 lbs up $5.47, 600-700 lbs up $8.88, 700-800 lbs up $5.65 and 800-900 lbs averaged $3.87 higher than last week.
The Quebec Electronic Market for the week ending June 4th was reported at $336.50 - $338.25 dressed, up $1.20 from last week on average.
Alberta direct trade for the week ending June 4th saw light trade with live sales steady to the previous week. Dressed sales were reported as steady as well and up to $2.00 stronger. Canfax reporting prices with live steers at $201.00-$204.00 and dressed steers from $339.00-$340.50, live heifers at $204.00 and dressed heifers $339.00-$340.50.
The US cash cattle trade for the week ending June 4th has been very quiet. At the time of reporting there is still no US trade to report.
Amber McIntyre for Jamie Gamble, Market Information Coordinator, Beef Farmers of Ontario.
