Many Manitoba producers have turned their attention from cattle marketing to spring seeding.

Prices fairly strong, traffic in decline

Smaller head counts make it more difficult to fill trucks

With more farmers focused on spring seeding and fewer pickings in cattle pens, the number of cattle coming to sale has been steadily declining, according to auctioneer Tyler Slawinski of the Gladstone and Ashern Auction Marts. Feeder and slaughter prices remain good despite some weakness in the market, he added. “There’s just not the big

Manitoba’s fall cattle run beginning to wane

Manitoba’s fall cattle run beginning to wane

Better grazing conditions extended the season this fall, which was reflected at auction

Cattle numbers at auction will likely recede heading into the holidays, says Scott Anderson of Winnipeg Livestock Sales. The fall run has remained strong this year thanks to an about-face in conditions. “The grazing season was so much longer this year than it has been in the past, with all of the moisture we have


Fall run cattle flow slows

Fall run cattle flow slows

Most of the animals sold are headed east or west rather than south

The fall run may be winding down as the number of cattle sold at Manitoba auction sites declined for the week ended Nov. 24. All eight auction sites held regular sales during the week and total number of animals going through the rings was 15,449, an 11.3 per cent drop from the previous week that

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market rations demand

Risk discount built in with adverse weather

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged while calf prices were steady to $6 lower. Demand from Ontario buyers caused markets in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan to hold value. Alberta prices were under pressure as the market appears to be rationing demand. Calf prices are 25-30 per cent higher than year-ago

Cattle prices steady as fall run in full swing

Cattle prices steady as fall run in full swing

Increase in bred cattle sales noted as producers exit industry

The fall run was in full swing across Manitoba’s cattle auction yards during the week ended Nov. 10. Prices held reasonably steady for feeder cattle but butcher cows came under pressure. Top end butcher cows have lost roughly $10 per hundredweight over the past month, and the seasonal increase in numbers coming to market is



Demand strong ahead of summer slowdowns

Demand strong ahead of summer slowdowns

Fed cattle prices have shown improvement

Prices for cattle at auctions across Manitoba were stronger ahead of the summer slowdown during the week ended June 11. “There’s some optimism for feeder cows, because we can put them away for a later market,” said Tyler Slawinski, an auctioneer for the livestock markets at Ashern and Gladstone. Demand is strong for heavier feeder cattle, which has supported prices, he said. At

Demand fluctuations put pressure on cattle prices

Demand fluctuations put pressure on cattle prices

A lower loonie could insulate local prices against declines in U.S. futures

Prices at Manitoba’s cattle auctions were slightly lower during the week ended March 20, driven largely by fluctuations in demand. Tara Fulton, manager of Gladstone Livestock Auction Mart, noted prices for heavier cattle over 750 lbs. have been under pressure for the past three weeks. “Demand for lighter-weight animals has been strong all along, because


Cattle markets remain strong in Manitoba

Cattle markets remain strong in Manitoba

A weaker Canadian dollar may attract U.S. buyers

With cattle auctions in full swing across the province, markets have seen steady, strong prices. Brock Taylor of Pipestone Auction Mart said 600- to 700-lb. feeder steers were between $188 and $215 per hundredweight at auction last week. That’s comparable to the Nov. 8 auction, when the same class of cattle sold for between $190

Rain challenges Manitoba cattle auctions

Rain challenges Manitoba cattle auctions

If nothing else, recent rains have helped pastures and hay land thrive

Challenging fall weather has not spared Manitoba’s cattle auction marts, as wet pastures and delayed harvests have limited the number of cattle coming to auction. Allan Munroe of Killarney Auction Mart noticed cattle volumes were down at auction marts during the month of September. “A lot of guys can’t get their cattle out from pasture, because there are standing crops in the