A total of 7,108 head of cattle were sold in Saskatchewan the week of June 9, up from 5,343 head sold the previous week. This number is an increase from 5,618 head the same week a year ago.
Saskatchewan feeder steer prices were reported in all the weight categories over the week with prices moving lower after rebounding the previous week. Feeder steer prices over the week declined between $1.05 per cwt and $5.29 per cwt. The 400-500 lb. feeder steer weight category had the largest price decline. On average, Saskatchewan feeder steer prices declined by over $2 per cwt. In contrast, Alberta feeder steer prices increased between $2 and $3 per cwt over the week.
Saskatchewan feeder heifer prices were reported in all weight categories over the week with prices mixed from the previous week. Feeder heifer prices ranged between $4.12 per cwt lower and $7.58 per cwt higher from the previous week. The biggest price gain over the week was in the 700-800 lb. weight category, while the largest loss was in the 500-600 lb. feeder heifer weight category.
The Saskatchewan 750 lb. feeder steer basis compared to the June 8, 2017, U.S. feeder cattle index at US$154.91 per cwt was calculated at (+$9.76) per cwt ($218.17 - US$154.91/0.7433, a basis widening of $8.04 per cwt from (+$17.80) per cwt compared to the previous week.
Feeder cattle daily futures prices were mixed over the week with near contract limit declines on Tuesday to help push prices lower after the previous week’s large price gains. The nearby August 2017 contract declined US$4.550 per cwt to settle Friday at US$154.175 per cwt, while the October contract declined US$3.425 per cwt to settle Friday at US$152.275 per cwt.
Live daily cattle futures prices were also mixed over the week with bigger declines Tuesday to end the week mixed, week-over-week. The nearby June contract increased US$0.425 per cwt to settle Friday at US$131.250 per cwt, while the August contract declined US$2.200 per cwt to settle Friday at US$123.850 per cwt.
