A total of 3,964 head of cattle were sold in Saskatchewan for the week of May 26, Saskatchewan Agriculture reported. This number continues the downward slide from 4,633 head sold the previous week, but up from 3,130 head the same week a year ago.
Saskatchewan feeder steer prices were reported in all the weight categories over the week except the 300-400 lb. and over 900 lb. weight categories. Feeder steer prices were primarily lower and ranged between $9.34 per cwt lower to $2.84 per cwt higher. The 500-600 lb. feeder steer weight category had the only price gain, while the 400-500 lb. weight category had the largest loss over the week. On average, feeder steer prices declined by almost $4.00 per cwt over the week.
Saskatchewan feeder heifer prices were reported in all weight categories over the week except the 300-400 lb. weight category. Feeder heifer prices were lower over the week in all weight categories declining between $2.08 and $9.00 per cwt from the previous week. The largest price loss over the week was in the 400-500 lb. weight category.
The Saskatchewan 750 lb. feeder steer basis compared to the May 25, 2017, U.S. feeder cattle index at US$143.89 per cwt was calculated at (+$16.04) per cwt ($209.67 - US$143.89/0.7431, a basis widening of $5.99 per cwt from (+$22.03) per cwt compared to the previous week. Saskatchewan feeder cattle prices were over $16 per cwt higher than the U.S. index price.
Feeder cattle daily futures prices were mixed and volatile over the week higher Monday and Thursday but had near limit losses Friday to end the week mostly lower, week-over-week. Live daily cattle futures prices were higher Monday and Thursday but had losses the other week days including big losses on Friday to end the week lower, week-over-week.
