Montana Weekly Livestock Auction Summary
Archived Report
3/5/2022
Total Run: 6,734
Market Notes
Compared to last week: Steer calves were lightly tested the previous week making comparisons difficult. Steers all sold mostly steady to 10.00 lower, with the exception of 600-650 lbs steers which sold unevenly steady in a narrow comparison. Heifer calves under 700 lbs sold unevenly steady, while heifers over 700 lbs sold 5.00-10.00 lower. All comparisons are narrow. Quality this week was mostly average to attractive. A few load lots were seen again this week and these offerings were met with mostly good demand. Cattle suitable to develop into yearlings sold on mostly moderate to good demand this week as buyers hope time will help ease market uncertainty. Cattle destined for the feedlot sold on light to moderate demand this week which was significantly lighter than last weeks good to very good demand. The current situation in Europe continues to have large impacts on our markets domestically. Both feed and fuel costs have risen sharply over the last 2 weeks. Corn is over 1.00 a bushel higher than it was just two weeks ago. WTI crude oil April contract closed at 115.68, up 24.09 since Friday Feb 25th. This week the August feeder cattle contract settled at 176.10, 9.975 lower than last week. CME feeder cattle positions traded sharply lower this week as gain prices continue to march higher. The March closed at 153.125, down 6.90 from last week, the April closed at 157.25, 7.50 lower. Market activity this week was mostly moderate to active with a good crowd on hand at ever sale this week. Weigh up cows sold on mostly good demand for heavy offerings. Ranchers continue to offer heavy offerings of bred cows for sale. Packers picked off many of the poorer end of these offerings to send to slaughter this week. Slaughter cows sold mostly steady to 2.00 higher on boning and lean cows. Breaking and premium white cows were too lightly tested to develop an accurate market trend, however steady undertones were noticed. Packers opted to send a portion of high quality cows to feed this week. Feeding buyers were active this week as well and pushed packer buyers on most all offerings this week, especially ones that have been on a feedlot. Cow quality this week was average to very attractive. Weigh up conditions were mixed this week. Cattle that were preg checked offered buyers better weigh conditions as the stress and chute work had them emptier than most. Slaughter bulls were too lightly tested last week to develop an accurate market trend, however higher undertones were noticed. Young age cows suitable to feed or rebreed were too lightly tested last week to trend. Most of the <2 year olds are now comprised of heifers or heifers which lost calves. These offerings continue to be met with very good demand to both feed and rebreed. Several large consignments of open 2-6 year olds were purchased as replacements this week. These offerings were one iron, homeraised, and met with very good demand.Supply included: 35% Feeder Cattle (42% Steers, 53% Heifers, 5% Bulls); 27% Slaughter Cattle (94% Cows, 6% Bulls); 37% Replacement Cattle (31% Stock Cows, 58% Bred Cows, 11% Bred Heifers). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 52%.
LIVESTOCK SUMMARY Current Week Last Reported 2/21/2022 Last Year Total Receipts: 6,734 2,469 6,874 Feeder Cattle: 2,386(35.4%) 1,974(80.0%) 3,216(46.8%) Slaughter Cattle: 1,831(27.2%) 330(13.4%) 1,512(22.0%) Replacement Cattle: 2,517(37.4%) 165(6.7%) 2,146(31.2%)
Feeder Steers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | 222.5 | 223 | 0.0000 | $556 |
| 300-400 | $-- | |||
| 400-500 | 212 | 222 | 233 | $1,000 |
| 500-600 | 189.5 | 208 | 221 | $1,147 |
| 600-700 | 179 | 190 | 204.5 | $1,233 |
| 700-800 | $-- |
Feeder Heifers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | 187.5 | 190 | 191 | $665 |
| 400-500 | 185 | 194 | 206 | $874 |
| 500-600 | 167 | 184 | 193 | $1,014 |
| 600-700 | 157 | 167 | 184 | $1,088 |
| 700-800 | 147.5 | 150 | 156 | $1,126 |
*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 | $91 | $97 | $103 |