Cattle auction sites reopen for 2024

Cattle auction sites reopen for 2024

Cow and bull market better than anticipated

Four Manitoba cattle auction sites reopened during the week ended Jan. 11 after a holiday break, though buying activity hasn’t yet returned to normal levels. Gladstone Auction Mart, Grunthal Livestock Auction Mart and Heartland Livestock Services (HLS) in Brandon all conducted their first regular sales of 2024 on Jan. 9. HLS in Virden followed suit the next day,

“… the price high for this cattle cycle might not be seen until the fourth quarter of 2024, or even 2025, depending on the weather.” – Brenna Grant, Canfax.

More record cattle prices likely on horizon

If heifer retention rises, prices will continue to ascend

Manitoba’s eight cattle auctions and numerous others across Canada witnessed record high prices this past fall, and even stronger prices could be the big story in 2024, according to Brenna Grant, executive director of CanFax. “I think it would be no surprise that, with a smaller North American cattle herd, that the fundamentals remain strong,


Terrific prices, optimism but several ongoing issues for cattle markets through 2023

Terrific prices, optimism but several ongoing issues for cattle markets through 2023

Aging producer population, drought and inflation reduce cattle numbers

Record prices were a tremendous boon to the Manitoba cattle industry in 2023, but the sector continued to struggle with significant problems during the year, according to Manitoba Beef Producers general manager Carson Callum. “I think the high prices were one of the big things leading to optimism within the sector,” he said. “There’s been

Cattle auction sites closing for the holidays

Cattle auction sites closing for the holidays

Annual holiday slowdown comes after a long and busy fall run

A few Manitoba cattle auction sites closed their doors for the holiday season after their final regular sales of 2023. Gladstone, Ashern and Ste. Rose Auction Marts all conducted their final cattle sales before the New Year on Dec. 11, 13 and 14, respectively. Winnipeg Livestock Sales had one more regular sale on Dec. 15,


Cash prices lag behind cattle futures

Cash prices lag behind cattle futures

Buyers are paying a premium for healthy calves from proven producers

Sharp declines in the United States cattle futures market helped bring cattle prices down at auction sites across Manitoba for the week ended Dec. 7. Feeder steers weighing 700 pounds or more ranged in price from $210 to $348 per hundredweight during the week, compared to $225 to $378.50 one week earlier. The minimum price

Large volumes coming in, cattle prices remain strong

Large volumes coming in, cattle prices remain strong

Better weather brings calves to market and a grass cattle shortage looms

A high volume of cattle came to Manitoba auctions last week and prices held close to record levels. The provincial industry has positioned itself for a potentially excellent start to 2024, according to Gladstone and Ashern auctioneer Tyler Slawinski. Overall volume of cattle coming for sale eased off a little at Gladstone, but Slawinski said


Calves in demand at auction sites

Calves in demand at auction sites

Freeze up is bringing local buyers to look at calves

Calf prices rose and yearling prices dropped at one Manitoba cattle auction site during the week ended Nov. 23. Scott Anderson, field representative for Winnipeg Livestock Sales, suggested that those buying yearlings were more likely to follow declining cattle futures than those who were buying calves. He also said the yearling market has tailed off

Cattle prices under pressure at auction sites

Cattle prices under pressure at auction sites

Firmness seen in some classes, heifer market supported by demand

Cattle prices are up compared to last year, but pressure was apparent at auction sales across Manitoba during the week ended Nov. 16. Most sales saw declines in both volume and price. At Gladstone Auction Mart’s regular sale on Nov. 14, most prices for heavyweight and lightweight cattle were down compared to one week earlier.


‘Strong demand and dwindling supply’ seen on cattle

‘Strong demand and dwindling supply’ seen on cattle

More variation is seen in cattle coming to Manitoba markets

Cattle prices remain strong despite the heavy influx of cattle heading to Manitoba’s auction marts during the fall run, according to Allan Munroe of the Killarney Auction Mart. “I think there’s a shortage of market-ready fat cattle. There’s strong demand and dwindling supply,” he said, noting a large number of light cattle are coming in

Brandon auction books some terrific Tuesdays

Brandon auction books some terrific Tuesdays

Chicago cattle futures have recovered off recent plunge

Brad Delgaty’s tenure as the new manager of Heartland Livestock Services in Brandon could not have had a better start. Hired to the position last month, Delgaty’s first order of business was to bring HLS Brandon’s regular weekly auction sales back to Tuesdays, ending a short-lived excursion to Friday sales. So far, the schedule change has paid dividends, as