A total of 13,239 head of cattle were sold in Saskatchewan for the week of March 31, down from 19,345 head sold the previous week, but up from 7,581 head the same week a year ago.
Saskatchewan feeder steer prices were reported in all weight categories over the week with feeder steer prices higher in all weight categories. There were larger gains in the lighter weights. Feeder steer prices increased between $0.92 per cwt and $9.35 per cwt. The 300-400 lb. feeder steer weight category had the biggest price gain. Feeder steer prices on average increased by almost $5 per cwt over the week.
Beef production for the week was estimated at 484.6 million lbs., down 3.4 per cent from 501.5 million lbs. the previous week, but up 8.5 per cent from 446.6 million lbs. the same week a year ago. Cattle slaughtered over the week were estimated at 593,000 head, down 3.3 per cent from 613,000 head the previous week, but up 10.0 per cent from 539,000 head the same week a year ago.
U.S. choice beef cutout prices (600-900 lbs.) averaged US$217.15 per cwt over the week, down US$5.97 per cwt or 2.7 per cent from US$223.12 per cwt the previous week, and down 2.4 per cent from US$222.46 per cwt the same week a year ago.
