A total of 6,917 head of cattle were sold in Saskatchewan the week ending May 12, reported Saskatchewan Agriculture. This figure drops from 8,494 head sold the previous week, but up from 5,368 head the same week a year ago.
Saskatchewan feeder steer prices were reported in all weight categories over the week with feeder steer prices primarily lower in most weight categories. Feeder steer prices ranged between $8.33 per cwt lower and $9.00 per cwt higher. The over 900 lb. feeder steer weight category had the only price gain, while the 300-400 lb. weight category had the largest losses over the week.
On average, feeder steer prices declined by almost $2.00 per cwt over the week. Saskatchewan feeder steer prices moved contrary to Alberta and Manitoba feeder steer prices, which moved higher.
Feeder steers weighing 300-400 lbs. averaged $239.67 per cwt selling between $230 to $247 per cwt. Those weighing 400-500 lbs. sold on average at $246.25 in a range of $238 to $269 per cwt, and those in the 500-600 lb. weight category averaged $244.38 per cwt selling between $236 and $264 per cwt. Feeder steers weighing 600-700 lbs. sold on average at $232.38 per cwt from $223 to $249 per cwt. The 700-800 lb. steers averaged $212.33 per cwt selling between $205 and $225 per cwt. Those weighing 800-900 lbs. averaged $193.67 per cwt between $183 and $209 per cwt, while feeder steers over 900 lbs. sold on average at $181.50 per cwt in a range of $170 to $190 per cwt.
Saskatchewan feeder heifer prices were reported in all weight categories over the week with prices mixed but overall higher. Feeder heifer prices over the week ranged between $2.65 per cwt lower and $10.50 per cwt higher from the previous week. The biggest price gain over the week was in the 300-400 lb. feeder heifer weight category, while the largest price loss was in the 600-700 lb. weight category. On average, feeder heifer prices increased by over $2.00 per cwt.
Feeder heifers weighing 300-400 lbs. sold on average at $224.83 per cwt between $211 and $238 per cwt. Those weighing 400-500 lbs. sold at $222.38 per cwt on average between $211 and $235 per cwt, while the 500-600 lb. heifers averaged $215.83 per cwt selling between $207 to $231 per cwt. The 600-700 lb. feeder heifers averaged $204.10 per cwt selling between $197 and $219 per cwt, while those 700-800 lbs. sold at $197.75 per cwt on average between $191 and $210 per cwt. Feeder heifers weighing over 800 lbs. averaged $182.33 per cwt in a selling range of $173 and $193 per cwt.
The Saskatchewan 750 lb. feeder steer basis compared to the May 11, 2017, U.S. feeder cattle index at US$143.48 per cwt was calculated at (+$15.57) per cwt ($212.33 - US$143.48/0.7292), a basis narrowing of $1.52 per cwt from (+$14.05) per cwt compared to the previous week.
Prices for liveweight, non-fed cattle in Alberta were lower over the week. The price of D1 and D2 slaughter cows declined $0.97 per cwt to average $109.83 per cwt, while the price of D3 slaughter cows declined $2.50 per cwt to average $97.88 per cwt. Fed cattle prices for Alberta fed steers averaged $180.02 per cwt over the week, down $11.49 per cwt from $191.51 per cwt the previous week. Most of the price gains from the previous week鈥檚 big jump ($14.09 per cwt) were given back over the week.
