The Assiniboia Livestock Auction held its regular cull cow and bull sale on May 10 with 429 head sold. Heiferettes jumped $0.11 on the previous sale to sell from $1.21 per lb. to $1.50 per lb. D1 and D2 cows rose $0.08 selling between $1.08 to $1.20 per lb. And D3 cows increased slightly from the previous sale ranging between $0.90 to $1.07 per lb. Canner cows also climbed to a range of $0.50 to $0.70 per lb. Slaughter bulls held steady selling in a range of $1.17 to $1.49 per lb.
There were very few feeder stock available in any one weight category to establish an accurate market report, according to the Assiniboia Livestock Auction. Heifer yearlings 400 to 450 lbs. sold on average $2.16 per lb. and reached $2.17 per lb. Heifer yearlings weighing 450 to 499 lbs. were $2.14 per lb. and selling up to $2.21 per lb. Heifer yearlings weighing 500 to 549 lbs. sold for an average $2.21 per lb. hitting $2.24 per lb. Those in the 550 to 599 lb. weight category increased to an average $2.11 per lb. and sold up to $2.13 per lb., while those weighing 600 to 649 lbs. sold at an average of $1.99 per lb. and reached $2.10 per lb. Yearling heifers over 900 lbs. averaged $1.36 per lb. and sold up to $1.59 per lb.
A total of 8,494 head of cattle were sold in Saskatchewan the week ending May 5, down from 11,241 head sold the previous week, but up from 7,195 head the same week a year ago.
Saskatchewan feeder steer prices were reported in all weight categories over the week with feeder steer prices significantly higher in most weight categories. Feeder steer prices increased between $4.90 per cwt and $20.40 per cwt. The 600-700 lb. feeder steer weight category had the highest price gain. On average, feeder steer prices increased by over $15 per cwt over the week. Prices were pushed significantly higher on strong local demand helped by a significant increase in cash fed cattle prices over the week. Saskatchewan feeder cattle prices reached price levels last established in March 2016.
