Prices for feeder steers in Saskatchewan were mostly up, while prices for feeder heifers were mixed, according to the latest Cattle Market Update issued by Canfax for the week ending November 3.
The only price decline for steers was in the 700-800lb category at $1.66 per hundred weight (per cwt) week-over-week. Prices for steers ranged from $494.20 in the 300-400lb category, down to $296.67 in the 900+lb category.
For heifers, only two categories had a price increase week-over-week — the 600-700lb (up $0.79 per cwt) and 700-800lb (up $5.79) categories. Prices ranged from $379.40 for the 300-400lb category, down to $284.13 for the 800+lb weight category.
A chart of this past week’s cattle prices in the province is below.
Provincial Cattle Specialist Fonda Froats says the price gains were likely helped by a weaker Canadian dollar and a boost in futures, as well as a decline in feed prices.
The number of cattle sold at auction in Saskatchewan was a bit down compared to the previous week, but still strong. Canfax reported 44,501 head sold, compared to 48,657 head sold the prior week.
Canfax also noted the volume of negotiated cash sales for Alberta fed steers was too light last week, so no price was established. Prices for fed steers averaged $232.83 per cwt for the week ending October 27.
Prices of Alberta cows reported on November 3 were up compared to October 27. D2 cows increased on average $2.24 per cwt from the previous week to average $138.07 per cwt. D3 slaughter cows were up $1.28 per cwt from the prior week, ending the week at an average price of $123.63 per cwt.
