There were just over 2 thousand cull cows sold in Ontario last week.
Beef Farmers of Ontario says that's the highest weekly volume of cull cows this year since February 26th.
The average price of $122.04 was up 55 cents on the week, over 23 dollars on the year.
Fed cattle marketings were up 80 head from the previous week, 74 fewer than last year.
Fed steers averaged 198.93 - down 57 cents on the week, over 42 dollars stronger than a year ago.
Fed heifers averaged 195.41 - up 2.07 on the week, over 43 dollars stronger than a year ago.
Ontario average rail grade prices were 2.50 higher on the week, up over 72 dollars on the year.
Over 4 thousand replacement cattle were sold in Ontario last week - down 746 from the previous week and 724 from a year ago.
Steers averaged up from $1.55 to $18.76, depending on weight category.
Fed heifers averaged from 68 cents to just over 41 dollars stronger, depending on weight category.
=== 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 May 28, 2015 There were 489 fed steers and heifers sold through Ontario auction markets this week up 80 head from last week, but 74 less than last year at this time. Fed steers traded from $190.30-$205.79 averaging $198.93 down $0.57 from last week and $42.40 stronger than year ago prices. Fed heifers sold from $183.09-$203.84 averaging $195.42 up $2.07 from last week and $43.56 stronger than last year at this time. Auction markets reported a good strong active trade prices steady for most of the week, but by midweek to late week prices were up $1.00-$2.00.
Ontario rail grade prices starting this reporting period on a stronger note with steers at $332.00-$333.00 dressed. Prices held steady until Wednesday when they advanced further to $332.00-$334.00 dressed. Heifers followed the same pricing trend starting out at $331.00-$332.00 dressed up to $331.00-$333.00 dressed by week's end. This week's average prices are $2.50 stronger than last week and up $72.25 from last year at this time.
There were 2,065 cull cows sold through auction markets this week, up 288 head from last week and fully steady to last year at this time, and the highest weekly volume this year since Feb 26th. Cull cows traded from $102.20-$141.66 averaging $122.04 up $0.55 from last week and $23.37 stronger than last year at this time. Auction markets reported active trading at fully steady prices overall, but up to $3.00-$5.00 higher in spots. Late week saw dairy types steady while beef breeds were slightly easier.
There were 4,082 replacement cattle sold through auction markets this week down 746 head from last week and 724 less than last year at this time. Auction markets reported very active trading on strong demand. Light weight cattle and grass types were reported as steady to $3.00 higher. Heavier cattle were from $2.00-$5.00 higher early week to $8.00-$10.00 higher by midweek, ending off as just stronger! Actual average prices this week saw steers 400-500 lbs average $18.76 higher than last week, 500-600 lbs up $3.64, 600-700 lbs up $11.74, 700-800 lbs up $10.39, 800-900 lbs up $1.55, 900-1000 lbs up $8.32 and steers over 1000 lbs averaged $10.77 stronger than last week on average. Heifers 300-400 lbs averaged $41.28 stronger than last week, 400-500 lbs up $22.36, 500-600 lbs up $10.66, 600-700 lbs up $0.68, 700-800 lbs up $1.42, 800-900 lbs up $1.42 but heifers over 900 lbs averaged $2.33 lower than last week on average.
The Quebec Electronic Market for this week is reported at $336.00 dressed, up $5.79 from last week on average.
Alberta direct trade the week ending May 21st was light with Canfax reporting prices as steady to $3.00 lower with live steers at $202.00 and dressed steers from $334.50-$335.00. This week trade was light to moderate with prices steady to $3.00 higher. Canfax reported steers from $201.15-$203.10 live and $336.50-$338.50 dressed. Heifers traded from $336.50-$338.50 dressed.
The US cash cattle trade for the week ending May 21st was moderate in volume with USDA Mandatory Price Report listing live prices ranging from $156.00-$163.00 with steers averaging $159.92 down from $160.80 the previous week while heifers averaged $159.76 down from $160.65. On the rail steers and heifers sold from $250.00-$257.00 dressed with steers averaging $251.74 down from $254.87 the previous week while heifers averaged $253.18 down from $254.83. At time of reporting, early afternoon Friday, the market remains untested for this week. Packers are bidding $248.00-$252.00 dressed in the north but sellers are not showing any interest. Asking prices are sitting at $163.00 live and $258.00 plus dressed. If any trade is going to take place this week, one side is going to have to give a little before the end of the day.
Jamie Gamble, Market Information Coordinator, Beef Farmers of Ontario.
