Prices at Manitoba cattle auctions remained strong during the week of Nov. 15 to 21, with good prospects that they will continue for awhile, said Scott Anderson of Winnipeg Livestock Sales.
Despite fewer cattle at Winnipeg’s Nov. 15 sale compared to the week before, Anderson said lighter cattle prices were especially strong.
“Also, any of the yearling cattle seemed to be $10 to $15 higher,” he added, noting that’s “very encouraging.”
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Notable gains at Winnipeg’s Nov. 15 sale were seen for 800 to 900-pound feeder steers, which saw the high climb from $337 per hundredweight on Nov. 8 to $358/cwt. Among the light feeders, the 300 to 400-lb. steers saw $40 added to the high end, which hit $660/cwt. on Nov. 15.
A big change in feeder heifer price was witnessed in the same weight class, vaulting from $525/cwt. the previous auction to $610/cwt.
The slaughter market held steady, with small gains.
Also helping auction prices was the Canadian dollar, Anderson said. Although the loonie regained some lost ground during the week, it remained below 72 U.S. cents.
“And the fat cattle and the feeder futures have been creeping higher every day, it seems.”
He suggested more attention to income tax is another factor affecting sales.
“For a few weeks in the year there’s a spike in the market as guys finally decide they’ve got to spend some money or pay income tax.”
Most cattle coming to Winnipeg are in very good condition and those with issues should be kept at home for now, said Anderson.
“It’s the same old story this time of year. Anything that looks stale or freshly weaned, they do get discounted for sure. The same thing for frozen ears and tails.”
With good prospects for continued strong prices, Anderson said weather will be a factor. Ste. Rose cancelled its sale for Nov. 21, while Ashern and Virden saw fewer numbers roll in due to snowfall and road conditions.
