Ontario fed cattle prices were lower last week than they've been in a year.
Beef Farmers of Ontario reports the average fed steer price of 163.91 was down over 7 dollars from last week and just 2.59 higher than last year.
The average fed heifer price of 162.24 was down 4.26 on the week and just over 8 dollars stronger than a year ago.
Ontario average railgrade prices were down over 13 dollars on the week and the lowest since the week ending October 23rd 2014.
Cull cows averaged 99.13 - down 2.86 on the week and 1.77 lower than a year ago.
That's the lowest weekly average since December of 2014 and the first time since July of 2013 that the cull cow prices have dipped below year ago prices on a week-to-week basis.
Replacement cattle prices were lower on the week - but still stronger than a year ago.
BFO reports on average, most weight categories are up 4 to 20 dollars over last year at this time.
Last week's replacement cattle offerings of almost 75 hundred head were up almost 2 thousand from the previous week and almost 11 hundred more than a year ago - boosted by special fall stocker sale numbers.
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 October 1, 2015 All categories of beef cattle met downward pressure this week. The live fed cattle market saw 409 head sold though auction markets, down 215 head from last week and 248 less than last year at this time. Fed steers ranged from $158.02-$167.70 averaging $163.91 down $7.02 from last week and just $2.59 higher than last year at this time. Fed heifers sold from $152.34-$168.32 averaging $162.24 down $4.26 from last week and $8.07 stronger than one year ago. This week's average prices are the lowest since the week ending October 2, 2014. This week all auctions reported prices as under pressure at lower prices, but no values as to how much lower were noted, until Thursday where prices were $2.00-$3.00 lower. A few exotic cattle were called steady, however second cut cattle were noted as under extreme pressure.
Ontario railgrade prices continue to slide. At the beginning of this reporting period there were no sales to report with no bids noted either. On Monday prices declined to $283.00-$288.00 for steers and $282.00-$287.00 for heifers. On Wednesday prices dropped further to end the week at $278.00-$280.00 dressed for steers and $277.00-$279.00 for heifers with limited sales. Delivery dates range from next week to the third & fourth week of October. This week's average prices are down $13.25 from last week and the lowest weekly average price since the week ending October 23, 2014. This week's average prices are just $8.25 stronger than last year at this time.
Cull cows also struggled with a weaker market as 2,377 head sold through auction markets, up 268 head from last week and 77 less than last year at this time. Cull cows sold from $82.92-$114.39 averaging $99.13 down $2.86 from last week and $1.77 lower than last year at this time. This is the lowest weekly average price since December 2014 and the first time since July 2013 that the cull cow prices have dipped below year ago prices on a week to week basis.
Replacement cattle were also reported as lower this week, but prices in these categories are still stronger than last year at this time. On average most weight categories are up $4.00-$20.00 over last year at this time. There were 7,456 replacement sold through auction markets this week up 1,950 head from last week and 1,093 more than last year at this time, with special fall stockers sales increasing in numbers. Auction markets reported active trading with choice cattle selling barely steady to steady, while medium quality and second cut cattle were under pressure. As the week progressed, prices on heavy weights were noted as $2.00-$3.00 lower. By the end of this reporting period the market was reported as selective with prices barely steady to lower. Actual average prices this week for steers 400-500 lbs averaged $40.49 lower than last week on average, 500-600 lbs down $18.17, 600-700 lbs down $18.79, 700-800 lbs down $19.06, 800-900 lbs down $12.15, 900-1000 lbs down $0.47 and steers over 1000 lbs averaged $3.82 stronger than last week on average. Heifers 300-400 lbs were down $1.48 from last week on average, 400-500 lbs down $25.18, 500-600 lbs down $1.14, 600-700 lbs down $11.85, 700-800 lbs down $2.62, 800-900 lbs up $3.06 and heifers over 900 lbs averaged $6.51 lower than last week's weighted average price.
The Quebec Electronic Market this week ranged from $276.00-$277.75 dressed, down $9.96 from last week on average.
Alberta direct trade this week, reported but Canfax, was light with dressed sales from $267.00-$273.50 for steers averaging $14.89 lower than last week. Heifers sold from $268.00-$273.50 dressed, down $12.08 from last week on average. Canfax reports that all sales this week were to local packers. The US cash cattle trade for the week ending September 23rd, as reported by the USDA Mandatory Price Report, lists steers and heifers from $126.00-$132.00 live down $5.93-$6.32 on average, with steers averaging $128.61 down from $134.93 the previous week. Heifers averaged $129.31 down from $135.24. On the rail sales ranged from $198.00-$208.00 dressed averaging $10.19-$10.43 lower. Steers averaged $202.44 down from $212.63 the previous week while heifers averaged $202.75 down from $213.18. There have also been reports that weight discounts have been put back into effect in the US. On Wednesday of this week light to moderate trade surfaced in the north and the south. Live sales were reported from $115.00-$124.00, with steers averaging $119.28 down $9.33, while heifers averaged $121.39 down $7.92. On the rail sales ranged from $183.00-$192.00 dressed down $14.00 on average with steers averaging $188.15 and heifers $188.58. On Thursday limited trade was reported at $120.00 live and $184.00-$186.00 dressed. At time of reporting, Friday noon, bids are sitting at $118.00 live in the south and $184.00 dressed in the north with no sales at this time. Both sides seem to be sitting tight and keeping an eye on the futures, which are trying to rally today. Jamie Gamble, Market Information Coordinator, Beef Farmers of Ontario.
