Sask. Cattle Market Update for March 18

Highlights for the week include:

• Feeder steer prices were mixed across the reported weight categories for the week compared to the week ending March 11^th. Prices ranged from $243.63 per cwt for the 300-400lb weight category to $180.18 per cwt for the 900+lb weight category. The largest price increase was seen in the 500-600lb weight category with an increase of $6.12 per cwt to average $239.00 per cwt for the week. The largest price decrease was seen in the 300-400lb weight category with a price decrease of $9.87 per cwt to average the week at $243.63. 
• The average weekly prices for Saskatchewan’s feeder heifer prices saw a similar mix across all the reported weight categories compared to March 11^th. Prices ranged from $201.35 per cwt for the 400-500lb weight category to $168.10 per cwt for the 800+lb weight category. The largest price increase reported was seen in the 800+lb weight category with an increase of $4.93 per cwt to average $168.10 per cwt for the week. The largest price decrease over the week was seen in the 500-600lb weight category with a price decrease of $2.40 per cwt to finish the week averaging $194.00 per cwt. The price for the 300-400lb weight category was not available for this week.
• Nearby live cattle future contract prices also saw an increase throughout the week. The April live cattle futures contract increased US$3.200 per cwt relative to the week of March 11^th to settle Friday at US$140.500 per cwt. The June contract had a price increase of US$4.125 per cwt compared to March 11^th, to settle Friday at US$137.075 per cwt.
• Choice beef cutout prices (600-900 lb.) for the week averaged US$257.34 per cwt, a price decline of US$3.64 per cwt or 1.43 per cent from US$253.70 per cwt the week of March 11^th.