Cow market sees gains in 2022

Cattlemen have seen a strong recovery in the first quarter of 2022 in the slaughter cow price.

Anne Wasko, a Market Analyst with Gateway Livestock, says the first-quarter average was in the mid-80s, while in April we saw D2 cows trading in the high 90s, and up over $1 as well.

"That's been a big move since the start of the year, where they were 75 cents in early January. So big move on slaughter cow prices."

She says that the increase in the cow market is a result of the high demand for ground beef or lean trimmings not just here in Canada, but in the U.S. and globally.

Data shows that the fat cattle market has been fairly stagnant for the first quarter of 2022.

She says finish cattle have been in a negative position through the first quarter of this year, which is mainly due to the cost of feed.

"Feed costs are record high. Whether you're a cow-calf producer, or whether you're a backgrounder. You know, trying to hold some calves over to winter, or you're looking at a cattle finishing operation. In all cases, we're looking at record-high feed costs."