Beef Farmers of Ontario is reporting a surprisingly high volume of fed cattle sold in the province last week.
Surprising because of the extreme heat.
The 378 head sold was steady to the previous week but 90 head lower than a year ago.
Price wise - fed steers were down just over 5 dollars on the week, over 22 dollars stronger than a year ago.
Fed heifers were down about 3.60 on the week and over 24 dollars higher than a year ago.
Cull cow sales were down over 300 on the week but 154 more than a year ago.
The average prices were down just over 2 dollars on the week, almost 13 dollars higher on the year.
Last week's Ontario replacement cattle sales were up over 300 head from the previous week, but over 400 less than a year ago.
Average steer prices ranged from 23.25 lower to 32.65 stronger while heifer averages ranged from 11.74 lower to 30.64 higher, depending on weight category.
BFO suggests we could start to see replacement cattle volumes start to increase early this year because of poor pasture conditions in parts of the province.
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 July 30, 2015 Surprisingly, in this extreme heat, the volume of fed steers and heifers sold through auction market held about steady at 378 head, but it is 90 head lower than last year at this time. Fed steers traded from $181.07-$194.71 averaging $190.26 down $5.14 from last week and $22.40 stronger than year ago prices. Fed heifers sold from $176.16-$196.46 averaging $187.00 down $3.59 from last week and $24.53 higher than last year at this time. Auction markets all reported trade as under pressure at lower prices, down $2.00-$3.00 by week's end.
Ontario rail grade prices declined as the week progressed. Steers started out this reporting period at $325.00-$331.00 dressed, down to $323.00-$330.00 by Wednesday with delivery dates varying up to 2 weeks out. Heifers started out at $324.00-$330.00 dressed and ended the week at $322.00-$329.00. This week's average prices are $3.00 lower than last week but $48.75 stronger than year ago prices.
Lighter receipts of 1,990 cull cows sold through auction markets down 326 head from last week but 154 more than last year at this time. Cull cows ranged from $99.12-$132.10 averaging $116.00 down $2.19 from last week and $12.88 stronger than last year at this time. Auction markets reported a strong demand with prices steady to strong. Some areas saw larger volumes of dairy cows on offer.
There were 2,634 replacement cattle sold through auction markets this week up 364 head from last week, but 430 less than last year at this time. 1,586 of this week's offering weighed over 800 lbs. Volumes could start to increase early this year if some areas do not get moisture soon, as some are reporting poor pasture conditions. Auction markets reported this week's trade as steady to strong, on a strong demand. Actual average prices this week saw steers 400-500 lbs averaging $32.65 stronger than last week, 500-600 lbs down $15.48, 600-700 lbs down $13.45, 700-800 lbs down $23.25, 800-900 lbs up $27.18, 900-1000 lbs up $0.95 and steers over 1000 lbs averaged $1.90 stronger than last week on average. Heifers 300-400 lbs averaged $30.64 higher than last week, 400-500 lbs up $23.37, 500-600 lbs up $4.05, 600-700 lbs up $7.66, 700-800 lbs down $11.74, 800-900 lbs down $4.08 and heifers over 900 lbs averaged $7.11 lower than last week on average.
The Quebec Electronic Market this week averaged $5.32 lower than last week with sales reported from $323.25-$324.00 dressed.
Alberta direct trade this week was reported by Canfax as light at steady prices. Dressed deals for steers ranged from $303.50-$306.50 with no heifer sales reported. Canfax reported that all sales this week were to local packers.
The US cash cattle trade the week ending July 23, 2015 was light at lower prices, with sales ranging from $144.00-$147.00 live and $229.00-$233.00 dressed. The USDA Mandatory Price Report (5 area) reported live steers weekly weighted average price at $145.48 down from $147.96 the previous week, while heifers averaged $145.52 down from $148.06. On the rail steers averaged $231.95 dressed, down from $235.20 the previous week, while heifers averaged $231.43 down from $235.36. This week has been very quiet with no sales reported as of Thursday night. Today, Friday noon, the market remains untested. Bids have developed at $143.00 live in the south and $230.00-$232.00 dressed in the north, but sellers are showing no interest. Asking prices are holding firm at $148.00 live and $234.00 plus dressed. Active trade may not develop until late afternoon. Jamie Gamble, Market Information Coordinator, Beef Farmers of Ontario.
