A lower number of fall stocker sales last week cut replacement cattle marketings in the province almost in half.
Beef Farmers of Ontario says there were almost 74 hundred replacements sold last week.
That's almost 64 hundred fewer than the week before.
BFO says there were only three special stocker sales last week compared to 9 the previous week.
Replacement calves sold steady to 2-3 dollars higher on good quality - second cut cattle were steady to 2 dollars lower.
Ontario fed cattle prices were up again last week.
The average fed steer price was up 88 cents from the previous week, heifers up a dollar 7.
The steer price was more than 47 dollars higher than last year, heifers almost 46 dollars higher.
Ontario average rail grade prices for the week were up 2.25 from the previous week and 79 dollars higher than last year.
Last week's averages were new highs for the week.
The Canadian average carcass weights for October was 906 pounds for steers and 818 pounds for heifers.
The steer weight was a new high average. ===
Weekly Cattle Comments As Supplied by Beef Farmers of Ontario Ph: Toll free: 1-866-370-2333 or (519) 824-0334 Fax: (519) 824-9161 Email: markets@ontariobeef.com Comments for the week ending November 6, 2014 The live fed cattle market continued to sell strong with 803 head of cattle sold through auction markets, up 159 from last week and 137 more than last year at this time. Fed steers sold from $159.47-$178.27 averaging $171.80 up $0.88 from last week and $47.09 stronger than last year at this time. Heifers ranged from $158.44-$177.65 averaging $170.26 up $1.07 from last week and $45.90 stronger than year ago prices. Auction markets reported this week's trade as active on good demand, with prices continuing steady to strong.
Ontario rail grade prices started out this reporting period at $288.00 dressed for steers and $287.00 for heifers and held fully steady the entire trading week. This week's average prices are up $2.25 from last week and $79.00 stronger than year ago prices. This week's average prices are also new highs. The October average warm carcass weight for steers was 928 lbs, up 20 lbs from September 2014 and 23 lbs higher than October 2013. The October average weight for steers was the highest monthly average carcass weight since the data set began in 1997. Heifers average warm carcass weight for the month of October was 813 lbs up 4 lbs from September 2014 and 24 lbs heavier than October 2013. The Canadian average carcass weights for October were 906 lbs for steers (also set new high average weight), and heifers averaging 818 lbs. There were 2,897 cull cows sold though auction markets this week down 24 head from last week and 371 less than the same time last year. Cull cows traded from $82.36-$118.69 averaging $102.17 up $0.11 from last week and $38.38 stronger than year ago prices. Action markets reported a good strong demand with prices steady to strong, up $2.00-$4.00 in spots early in the week.
There were 7,378 replacement cattle sold through auction markets this week, down 6,391 from last week and 233 more than last year at this time. Auction markets reported continued strong demand with calves selling steady to $2.00-$3.00 higher on good quality, while second cut cattle were steady to $2.00 lower. Yearling cattle sold steady to strong. Actual average prices this week for steers 400-500 lbs averaged $13.76 lower than last week, 500-600 lbs down $4.14, 600-700 lbs down $1.79, 700-800 lbs down $2.53, 800-900 lbs down $0.13, 900-1000 lbs up $3.64 and steers over 1000 lbs averaged $0.86 lower than last week's average prices. Heifers weighing 300-400 lbs averaged $13.82 lower than last week, 400-500 lbs down $9.39, 500-600 lbs down $7.84, 600-700 lbs up $2.39, 700-800 lbs up $2.62, 800-900 lbs down $3.96 and heifers over 900 lbs averaged $21.03 lower than last week's average prices. The previous week included nine computerized special fall stocker sales with majority being special calf club and local calf sales. This week there were only three special sales submitted from computerized auction markets.
The Quebec Electronic Market was slightly stronger this week with prices reported from $285.00-$286.75 dressed, up $0.73 from last week.
Canfax reported that Alberta direct trade was light this week with live prices steady to last week's limited trade and bids. Steers sold from $170.50-$176.00 live and $286.00 flat rail.
The U.S. cash cattle trade the week ending October 31st was light with live sales from $165.00-$170.00. The USDA Mandatory Price Report lists the average price for steers at $167.46 down from $168.79 the previous week, while heifers averaged $167.63 live, down from $169.36. Dressed sales ranged from $261.00-$265.00 with steers averaging $263.23 down from $264.79 the previous week and heifers averaging $263.24 down from $264.75 dressed. This week the market has been quiet until today, Friday. As of noon some light trade has developed in parts of the south at $167.00 live which is steady to last week. In the north, bids are currently sitting at $166.00-$167.00 live and $262.00 dressed. Asking prices are holding at $170.00 live and $265.00 plus dressed. Moderate to active trade should develop at any time. Jamie Gamble, Market Information Coordinator, Beef Farmers of Ontario
