Montana Weekly Livestock Auction Summary
Archived Report
4/3/2021
Total Run: 9,751
Market Notes
Compared to last week: Receipts were too light last week to make an accurate market trend, however higher undertones were noticed on both steers and heifers. Quality this week was average to attractive. Many load lots of feeders sold this week and demand was good for both packages and load lots. The majority of cattle on offer this past week were in light flesh with a few thin fleshed calves in the offering which buyers purchased with strong premiums. Quality overall was average to very attractive this week. CME positions had a roller coaster week as the prospective plantings report showed only slightly higher planting intentions for corn compared to 2020. This push corn prices up the limit on Wednesday and feeder cattle prices sharply lower. The April contract closed Thursday (CME was closed on Good Friday) at 143.875 while the May contract closed at 149.225 that's 4.45 higher on the April and 0.65 lower on the May contract. Market activity was mostly active this week. Weigh up cows sold on good to very good demand as packers showed good demand for slaughter cows. Feeding buyers showed good demand for cows as well which helped push all cow prices higher. Light offerings has been the driving force in higher cow prices as packers report light receipts at all sales across the upper plains states. Slaughter cows sold mostly 3.00-4.00 higher. Feeding cows sold mostly 1.003.00 higher. Warmer weather was seen this week and cows and bulls offered buyers mostly below average weigh up conditions all week. Slaughter bulls sold mostly 3.00-4.00 higher. Two year old to young age cows sold on mostly good to very good demand this week. Buyers showed similar demand for both cows the feed or rebreed. This class sold 9.00-12.00 higher.Supply included: 90% Feeder Cattle (44% Steers, 0% Dairy Steers, 54% Heifers, 2% Bulls); 6% Slaughter Cattle (72% Cows, 28% Bulls); 4% Replacement Cattle (100% Stock Cows). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 49%.
LIVESTOCK SUMMARY Current Week Last Reported 3/22/2021 Last Year Total Receipts: 9,751 1,469 4,967 Feeder Cattle: 8,740(89.6%) 772(52.6%) 4,024(81.0%) Slaughter Cattle: 610(6.3%) 393(26.8%) 249(5.0%) Replacement Cattle: 401(4.1%) 304(20.7%) 694(14.0%)
Feeder Steers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | 189.5 | 212 | 217.5 | $741 |
| 400-500 | 191 | 205 | 215.5 | $923 |
| 500-600 | 174 | 188 | 197 | $1,036 |
| 600-700 | $-- | |||
| 700-800 | $-- |
Feeder Heifers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | 177.5 | 178 | 0.0000 | $621 |
| 400-500 | 161 | 171 | 179 | $770 |
| 500-600 | 150 | 162 | 169 | $889 |
| 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 | $84 | $88 | $94 |