Montana Weekly Livestock Auction Summary
Archived Report
3/6/2021
Total Run: 6,874
Market Notes
Compared to last week: Steers weighing less than 450 lbs were too lightly tested to develop an accurate market trend, however steady to lower undertones were noticed on a lower quality offering than was seen last week. Steers 450-649 lbs sold steady to firm, steers over 650 lbs sold steady to 4.00 lower. Heifers under 650 lbs sold steady to firm, heifers over 650 lbs sold mostly 4.00-6.00 lower on a lower quality offering than was seen last week. Quality this week was average to attractive. Demand overall, was mostly good throughout the week. Demand for grass cattle continues to be very good as local ranchers are the driving force behind higher grass cattle prices. Many buyers continue to push the market higher despite lower CME contract prices. The March contract closed Friday at 134.60 while the April closed at 139.025. Market activity this week was mostly active. Weigh up cows sold on mostly moderate to good demand for moderate to heavy offerings. Packers purchased slaughter cows on mostly moderate demand. Boning and lean cows sold fully steady. Breaking cows sold mostly 2.00-3.00 lower as heavy offerings of fed cows were seen this week. Packers showed very good demand for feeding cows this week purchasing the majority of the cow offering to put on feed. Feeding and packer buyers competed over very attractive offerings all week. Cow quality was attractive to very attractive this week. Weight up conditions were mostly average to above average and buyers gave a slight premium for cows with exceptional weigh conditions this week. Slaughter bulls sold generally steady. Several load lots of open coming 3 and coming 4 year old cows were seen this week these cattle were very attractive and sold on very good demand. Overall, this class of cows sold higher but comparisons are difficult due to differences in quantity and quality.Supply included: 47% Feeder Cattle (41% Steers, 57% Heifers, 2% Bulls); 22% Slaughter Cattle (94% Cows, 6% Bulls); 31% Replacement Cattle (23% Stock Cows, 55% Bred Cows, 21% Bred Heifers, 0% Cow-Calf Pairs). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 40%.
LIVESTOCK SUMMARY Current Week Last Reported 2/22/2021 Last Year Total Receipts: 6,874 9,154 2,619 Feeder Cattle: 3,216(46.8%) 7,442(81.3%) 1,631(62.3%) Slaughter Cattle: 1,512(22.0%) 913(10.0%) 480(18.3%) Replacement Cattle: 2,146(31.2%) 799(8.7%) 508(19.4%)
Feeder Steers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | 191 | 196 | 199 | $687 |
| 400-500 | 187.5 | 193 | 202 | $868 |
| 500-600 | 159.5 | 176 | 191 | $966 |
| 600-700 | 155.5 | 163 | 168 | $1,060 |
| 700-800 | $-- |
Feeder Heifers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | 167 | 172 | 179 | $603 |
| 400-500 | 159 | 166 | 171 | $745 |
| 500-600 | 155 | 165 | 175 | $906 |
| 600-700 | $-- | |||
| 700-800 | $-- |
*Approx is the middle weight of the weight group multiplied by the mid point of the high and low for the group. It's meant as a quick method to see what cattle of that weight class are bringing per head.
Cows & Bulls
| Type | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slaughter Bulls | $65 | $85 | $95 |