Most slaughter cattle classes reported the lowest average prices last week since the week ending January 8th of this year.
Beef Farmers of Ontario reports there were 369 fed steers and heifers sold on the week.
That's down almost 130 from the previous week but just 4 fewer than a year ago.
The average fed steer price was down over 2.50 on the week but over 28 dollars better than a year ago.
The average fed heifer price in Ontario was up almost 3 dollars on the week and 33 dollars higher than the same week last year.
Cull cow marketings were down just over 300 on the week and about 160 more than last year.
The average price was 3.74 lower on the week, 10.37 higher on the year.
And BFO says there were just under 34 hundred head of replacements sold in Ontario last week.
That's down about 330 from the previous week and 1150 fewer than a year ago.
Auction markets reported replacement calf prices barely steady to steady while yearlings were steady to fully steady on the week.
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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 September 3, 2015 All classes of cattle sold for slaughter saw this week saw average prices the lowest since the week ending January 8, 2015, with exception of fed heifers which were slightly lower last week. Auction markets sold 369 fed steers and heifers this week down 127 head from last week but just 4 less than last year at this time. Fed steers sold from $170.11-$191.79 averaging $184.91 down $2.51 from last week but $28.71 stronger than year ago prices. Fed heifers ranged from $179.02-$190.13 averaging $186.68 up $2.98 from last week and $33.00 stronger than last year at this time. A good quality offering of heifers contributed to a stronger weekly average price. Auction markets reported early trade as under pressure with prices easier, from $1.00-$3.00 lower. By week's end trade was reported as active with prices about steady to steady.
Rail grade prices continued to decline with delivery dates varying up to 3 weeks. Prices started out from $310.00-$316.00 dressed for steers and ended the week at $308.00-$314.00 dressed, with limited bids. Heifers sold from $309.00-$315.00 dressed early week and ended the week off at $307.00-$313.00, also noting limited bidding by week's end. This week's average prices are down $3.25 from last week but $38.75 stronger than last year at this time, and also the lowest weekly average prices since the week ending January 8, 2015.
2,234 cull cows were sold through Ontario auction markets this week down 302 head from last week and 163 more than last year at this time. Sales ranged from $92.43-$128.12 averaging $110.40 down $3.74 from last week and $10.37 higher than last year at this time. Auction markets reported demand as good with prices starting the week as steady to higher on good quality. As the week progressed prices were reported as barely steady to $4.00-$5.00 easier on all breeds and classes.
3,367 replacement cattle sold through auction markets this week down 329 head from last week and 1,150 less than last year at this time. Auction markets reported calves as barely steady to steady, while yearlings were steady to fully steady with one report of $1.00-$2.00 higher. The market was noted as steady with quality considered. The actual average price this week for steers 400-500 lbs was down $15.82 from last week, 500-600 lbs down $4.64, 600-700 lbs down $2.87, 700-800 lbs down $6.53, 800-900 lbs up $3.53, 900-1000 lbs down $1.48 and steers over 1000 lbs averaged $5.73 lower than last week. Heifers 300-400 lbs were down by $22.21 on average, 400-500 lbs down $5.53, 500-600 lbs up $9.86, 600-700 lbs down $3.92, 700-800 lbs down $9.83 $2.34, 800-900 lbs down $9.32 and heifers over 900 lbs averaged $2.32 lower than last week.
The Quebec Electronic Market was lower this week by $7.50 on average with sales reported from $302.00-$304.00 dressed.
Alberta direct trade was light with trade on the rail down $4.06 from last week. Canfax reported steers from $296.00-$300.50 dressed with no heifers sales reported. Canfax reports: "All reported cash sales were purchased by local buyers while US inquiries were virtually non-existent. Tentatively cash to futures basis levels did strengthen and remain stronger than the five year historical average. Marketing pressure was evident as producers had to keep shuffling cattle.
The US cash cattle trade for the week ending August 27th was under pressure with trade reported as light. The USDA Mandatory Price Report listed live prices as averaging $2.33 lower, while cattle on the rail averaged $5.25-$5.54 lower. Business in the south ranged from $142.00-$147.00 live with live steers averaging $144.86 down from $147.19 the previous week, while heifers averaged $145.20 live down from $147.49. On the rail prices ranged from $224.00-$231.00 dressed, with steers averaging $227.39 down from $232.62 the previous week, while heifers averaged $227.89 down from $233.43. This week light to moderate trade in the north took place on Wednesday and Thursday with prices around $5.00 lower than last week on average from $222.00-$224.00 dressed, with most at $222.00. Today, Friday am, the south is starting see some trade at prices $3.00 lower than last week at $143.00 live. Trade is expected to continue into the afternoon. Jamie Gamble, Market Information Coordinator, Beef Farmers of Ontario.
