Montana Weekly Livestock Auction Summary
Archived Report
4/1/2023
Total Run: 5,846
Market Notes
Compared to last week: Steers 550-749 lbs sold steady to 10.00 higher. Steers over 750 sold steady to firm in a narrow comparison. Heifers sold under 550 lbs were too lightly tested to develop an accurate market trend, steady to higher undertones were noticed. Heifers 550-749 lbs sold mostly 10.00-15.00 higher, heifers over 750 lbs were too lightly tested last week to trend, steady to firm undertones noted. Quality this week was mixed from average to very attractive. Several load lots were seen this week as Billings livestock held their spring N.I.L.E. feeder special. All size packages sold on good demand as buyers were able to piece together loads of like quality. Demand for grass cattle was good to very good. This sale had some of the strongest demand seen for heifers all year as both grass buyers and replacement buyers bid aggressively over attractive offerings between 600 and 750 lbs. Many sets of heifers were purchased for replacements this sale. Market activity was mostly active this week with a large pool of buyers bidding aggressively and rapidly throughout the week. Weigh up cows sold on mostly good demand for light to moderate offerings. Cow prices improved as the week progressed, pushed mostly by western packers searching for offerings for immediate harvest. Eastern packers showed mostly good demand for feeding cows but picked around as they purchased slaughter cows. Slaughter cows sold steady to firm on breaking and lean cows, boning cows sold mostly 2.00 higher. Slaughter bulls sold steady to 3.00 higher. Feeding cows sold generally steady in a narrow comparison. Cow and bull quality was average to attractive this week. Weigh up conditions were mostly average to below average throughout the week. Young age cows suitable to feed or rebreed continue to sell on good to very good demand. Steady to firm undertones were noticed.Supply included: 79% Feeder Cattle (46% Steers, 51% Heifers, 2% Bulls); 12% Slaughter Cattle (85% Cows, 15% Bulls); 9% Replacement Cattle (57% Stock Cows, 39% Bred Cows, 3% Bred Heifers, 2% Cow-Calf Pairs). Feeder cattle supply over 600 lbs was 59%.
LIVESTOCK SUMMARY Current Week Last Reported 3/20/2023 Last Year Total Receipts: 5,846 2,904 8,452 Feeder Cattle: 4,619(79.0%) 1,964(67.6%) 5,750(68.0%) Slaughter Cattle: 693(11.9%) 546(18.8%) 1,107(13.1%) Replacement Cattle: 534(9.1%) 394(13.6%) 1,595(18.9%)
Feeder Steers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | 271 | 271 | 0.0000 | $949 |
| 400-500 | 261 | 267 | 275 | $1,199 |
| 500-600 | 247 | 256 | 268 | $1,407 |
| 600-700 | 211 | 239 | 248 | $1,551 |
| 700-800 | 185 | 203 | 214 | $1,525 |
Feeder Heifers
| Weight | Min | Avg | Max | Approx* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 | $-- | |||
| 300-400 | $-- | |||
| 400-500 | 230 | 233 | 252.5 | $1,046 |
| 500-600 | 217 | 230 | 235 | $1,265 |
| 600-700 | 184 | 216 | 225 | $1,402 |
| 700-800 | 186 | 198 | 218 | $1,485 |
*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 | $107 | $116 | $120 |