Montana Weekly Livestock Auction Summary
Archived Report
5/7/2022
Total Run: 3,530
Market Notes
Compared to last week: All weights of steers and heifers were too lightly tested this week to develop an accurate market trend, however higher undertones were noticed. Quality this week was mixed from plain to attractive. Demand for feeder cattle was mostly good. Despite light offerings, stronger demand was seen this week. Spring rains has greened grass across much of the southern portion of the state, which has helped revive some demand from ranchers willing to purchase cattle to turn out. Buyers purchased cattle up to 750 lbs to return to grass as long as flesh conditions were favorable. Several high quality sets of replacement heifers continue to be seen and demand for these offerings is very good. Heifer quality continues to outpace steer quality. Market activity this week was mostly active, a large crowd was on hand at all three sales this week. Weigh up cows sold on mostly light to moderate demand for moderate to heavy offerings. Slaughter demand was mostly light this week. Packers continue to harvest unseasonably large numbers of cows as ranchers continue to sell off cows that lost calves in the last two snow storms. Hay prices remain at all time highs and ranchers are selling cows which are not generating income. This influx of cows in the North and some drought sell off in the south has packers with a larger supply of cows and bulls than is usually seen this time of year. Slaughter cows sold mostly 2.00-4.00 lower on all classes. Feeding cow demand continues to be strong as packers and independent feeders both compete over high quality offerings these offerings sold steady to weak. Slaughter bulls sold mostly steady to 1.00 higher a narrow comparison. Weigh conditions were mostly average this week. Green grass has started to help cows slick off winter hair and has many emptied out. Young age cows suitable to feed or rebreed sold steady to 5.00 higher. Quality this week was average to attractive.Supply included: 42% Feeder Cattle (25% Steers, 64% Heifers, 11% Bulls); 28% Slaughter Cattle (82% Cows, 18% Bulls); 30% Replacement Cattle (64% Stock Cows, 8% Bred Cows, 17% Cow-Calf Pairs, 11% Heifer Pairs). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 56%.
LIVESTOCK SUMMARY Current Week Last Reported 4/25/2022 Last Year Total Receipts: 3,530 7,264 3,896 Feeder Cattle: 1,480(41.9%) 4,393(60.5%) 1,944(49.9%) Slaughter Cattle: 992(28.1%) 1,408(19.4%) 1,214(31.2%) Replacement Cattle: 1,058(30.0%) 1,463(20.1%) 738(18.9%)
Feeder Steers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | $-- | |||
| 400-500 | 195 | 200 | 0.0000 | $898 |
| 500-600 | 193 | 208 | 218 | $1,141 |
| 600-700 | 188 | 190 | 192 | $1,234 |
| 700-800 | $-- |
Feeder Heifers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | 192.5 | 193 | 0.0000 | $674 |
| 400-500 | 176.5 | 184 | 189 | $826 |
| 500-600 | 175.5 | 180 | 187 | $988 |
| 600-700 | 151 | 160 | 176.5 | $1,042 |
| 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 | $61 | $96 | $104 |