Prices for feeder steers and heifers in the province were up compared to the last reported price differences on March 1, according to the latest Cattle Market Update for the week ending March 15.
Starting with feeder steers, prices ranged from $329.61 per cwt in the 800-900 lb weight category up to $475.17 in the 300-400 lb category. For heifers, prices ranged from $408.67 per cwt in the 400-500 lb category down to $307.33 in the 800+ lb weight category. The 900+ lb steer and 300-400 lb heifer categories did not have a price to report on.
Livestock Intern at the Ministry of Agriculture Emily Taylor says prices were aided by auction sales resuming last week after the snowstorm earlier this month, and while feed prices increased slightly from the week prior, strong futures markets are supporting feeder cattle prices.
Taylor noted 9,158 feeder cattle were marketed in the province last week, above the 3,547 feeder cattle marketed the previous week, but below the 12,255 head marketed one year ago.
Prices for market-ready cattle in Alberta were also up. Taylor says D2 cows averaged $162.44 per cwt, up $4.94 per cwt above the previous week, while D3 cows were up $0.91 per cwt over the previous week to average $141.11 per cwt.