Before some Manitoba cattle auction sites shut down operations for most of the summer, many cattle producers took full advantage during the week ended June 16.
Auction sites in Ashern, Killarney and Ste. Rose all hosted what were expected to be their final regular sales until August. Last year, many auction sites chose to stay open or reopen early during the summer due to ongoing drought conditions. Heavy precipitation and cooler temperatures hit Manitoba in recent months, but growing conditions in many areas are better than last year’s.
Killarney Auction Mart manager Allan Munroe said while he has seen a lot of positives so far this year, many obstacles remain.
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“We’ve seen so many negatives as far as drought and extreme cold weather in the winter. This spring has been absolutely a major challenge and the expenses are skyrocketing for these guys,” he said. “We need a big win for our cattle farmers this coming fall. They need to see some returns on their investments because it’s getting to be very negative. There are eternally optimistic people who are getting frustrated over a lack of return.”
For the last time this season, all eight Manitoba cattle auction sites hosted sales from June 10 to 16. As a result, 2,944 cattle went through the rings, compared to 1,767 from the week before. As usual in late-season sales, butcher cattle were the most in demand, but cattle producers use these sales to tie up loose ends.
“A few fancy cattle were bringing in some pretty good money, but this time of year we’re getting a lot more of the cleanup cattle,” Munroe said, adding that 541 cattle at his sale was “good volume” for his business at this time of year. “Just getting rid of the tail-enders and whatnot. A little bit of a mix of everything.”
Munroe also mentioned that pasture conditions in the Killarney area are also faring well, spurring more purchases of grass cattle.
Pastures “are looking better than they have in a long time, at least in our part of the country. It was slow getting started, but we certainly have lots of moisture and we’re getting sunshine and heat. It’s very positive,” he said.
Cattle sold are either staying local or going elsewhere in Western Canada, according to Munroe.
On the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the August live cattle contract suffered a price dip before rallying back to a June 16 close of US$136.30 per hundredweight. The August feeder cattle contract was at a month-long high of US$176.875/cwt on June 9 before dropping to a close of US$171.30 on June 16.
The current conditions in many parts of Manitoba have brought some relief after the drought crisis of 2021. However, according to Munroe, there is still a wait-and-see attitude.
“Like everyone else, I’m hoping for prices that will get their attention and get people excited about being in this industry again. If not, we’re going to see a significant downsize in the industry in Manitoba.”
