A total of 4,183 head of cattle were sold in Saskatchewan for the week ending August 18. This figure is up from 2,389 head sold the previous week and up from 2,735 head sold the same week a year ago.
Saskatchewan feeder steer prices were only reported in weight categories above 600 lb. over the week. The 600-700 lb. feeder steer weight category averaged $193.92 per cwt. The 800-900 lb. feeder steer weight category averaged $180.83 per cwt, down $1.00 per cwt from the previous week. Feeder steer prices over the week for the mid-weights between 500-800 lb. were lower compared to prices at the end of June and July.
Feeder steer prices for the heavier weights were slightly higher compared to the end of July, but definitely lower compared to the end of June.
Saskatchewan feeder heifer prices were reported in the weight categories above 500 lb. over the week. Prices were mixed from the previous week increasing $3.55 per cwt in the 700-800 lb. weight category, but declining $4.09 per cwt in the feeder heifer weight category above 800 lbs. Feeder heifer prices over the week were overall higher compared to prices at the end of July, but definitely lower than prices at the end of June.
The Saskatchewan 750 lb. feeder steer basis was not available for calculation as the 700-800 lb. feeder steer prices were unavailable over the last two weeks.
Feeder cattle daily futures prices were mixed over the week with big losses on Wednesday and Thursday to help push price lower, week-over-week. The nearby August 2017 contract declined US$1.275 per cwt to settle Friday at US$140.500 per cwt, while the September contract declined US$2.200 per cwt to settle Friday at US$140.025 per cwt. Feeder cattle futures prices have been significantly lower over the last two weeks.
Live daily cattle futures prices were mixed over the week but were primarily lower pushing prices lower, week-over-week. The nearby August contract declined US$3.350 per cwt to settle Friday at US$106.375 per cwt; while the October contract declined US$1.500 per cwt to settle Friday at US$105.900 per cwt. Prices have declined significantly over the last two weeks.
