Cattle markets show some strength as we head into the fall run

Saskatchewan's weekly cattle marketing report shows 3,692 head of cattle moved through the auction rings last week.

Provincial Cattle Specialist Fonda Froats says that's down from the 4,794 marketed the previous week, and the 6,944 head sold during the same time last year.

According to the report feeder steer prices were mainly higher across the middle weight categories while feeder heifer prices edged higher than the previous week.

"Prices ranged from $292.17 per cwt for the 300-400lb weight category to $217.00 per cwt for the 900+lb weight category this week. The largest price increase was seen in the 500-600lb weight category, with prices improving $13.75 per cwt to end the week averaging $260.50 per cwt. The largest price decrease was seen in the 300-400lb weight category, with a price decline of $11.33 per cwt to end the week averaging $292.17 per cwt.  Feeder heifers ranged from $213.17 per cwt for the 500-600lb weight category to $205.33 cwt for the 800+lb weight category. The largest price increase was seen in the 700-800lb weight category, with prices improving $8.67 per cwt to end the week averaging $216.00 per cwt. There were no price decreases compared to the previous week amongst the reported weight categories"

Froats says markets will pick up in the next few weeks, but for now, prices reflect the fact that we haven't got into the fall run yet, which was earlier last year with the drier conditions across most of the province.

According to the report the price of D2 slaughter cows was up $2.28 per cwt from the previous week to average $115.58 per cwt. The price of D3 slaughter cows had a modest increase of $0.29 per cwt to average $99.92 per cwt. 

Meantime, the rail price increased by $4.00 per cwt at both ends to range between 220.00-$225.00 per cwt.

Over the next few weeks cattle producers will start evaluating their herd and feeding management plans.