Montana Weekly Livestock Auction Summary
Archived Report
4/2/2022
Total Run: 8,452
Market Notes
Compared to last week: Steer calves all sold 5.00-10.00 higher in a narrow comparison. Feeder heifers under 700 lbs sold steady to 5.00 higher, while heifers over 700 lbs sold mostly 5.00-10.00 higher in a narrow comparison. Quality this week was average to very attractive. Numerous load lots and long strings of feeders were seen this week, many of which were home-raised. The best demand continues to be for grass cattle which are comprised mostly of cattle 500-725 lbs depending on flesh. Heifer demand was very good this week as many buyers were looking for high quality heifers to spay and run on grass. Buyers picked over many sets of heifers that ranchers had slated to keep as replacements but opted to sell due to the drought. Demand for very high end replacement heifers was very good as several sets were purchased to breed this week. Demand overall was good for all offerings as quality helped keep demand in check despite wavering CME positions the last few weeks. CME positions traded mostly lower this week. The August feeder cattle contract closed Friday at 176.35, 2.10 lower than last week. The March had a finial settlement on Thursday at 155.90, down 0.525 from last week; the April closed Friday at 161.40, 0.175 lower; the May contract closed Friday at 166.55. Market activity this week was mostly active with a good crowd on hand at ever sale this week actively bidding on offerings. Weigh up cows sold on mostly good demand for light to moderate offerings. Packers continue to show good demand for all cows on offer. Packers were very active in buying cows for slaughter midweek but showed slightly lighter demand to end the week. Slaughter cows sold generally steady on breaking cows, boning and lean cows sold 2.00-3.00 higher. Feeding cows sold steady to firm, with the best increase in price coming from low dressing lean cows which order buyers were buying away from packers. Weigh up conditions were mostly below average for buyers this week with many cows were pushing heavy amounts of fill. Slaughter bulls sold mostly 2.00 higher. Young age cows suitable to feed or rebreed sold fully steady. These offerings were met with mostly good demand to both feed and rebreed.Supply included: 68% Feeder Cattle (49% Steers, 49% Heifers, 2% Bulls); 13% Slaughter Cattle (83% Cows, 17% Bulls); 19% Replacement Cattle (39% Stock Cows, 46% Bred Cows, 15% Bred Heifers). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 63%.
LIVESTOCK SUMMARY Current Week Last Reported 3/21/2022 Last Year Total Receipts: 8,452 2,393 9,751 Feeder Cattle: 5,750(68.0%) 1,128(47.1%) 8,740(89.6%) Slaughter Cattle: 1,107(13.1%) 717(30.0%) 610(6.3%) Replacement Cattle: 1,595(18.9%) 548(22.9%) 401(4.1%)
Feeder Steers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | 206 | 214 | 224 | $750 |
| 400-500 | 203.5 | 216 | 226 | $971 |
| 500-600 | 188 | 207 | 219 | $1,139 |
| 600-700 | $-- | |||
| 700-800 | $-- |
Feeder Heifers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | 191 | 192 | 193 | $671 |
| 400-500 | 175.5 | 186 | 194 | $839 |
| 500-600 | 164 | 181 | 193 | $996 |
| 600-700 | 149 | 169 | 175 | $1,096 |
| 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 | $96 | $104 | $109 |