Montana’s livestock markets showed steady undertones this week despite significantly lighter offerings across the state. Total receipts dropped to 1,836 head compared to 7,315 head the previous week, though this was down just slightly from 2,138 head during the same week last year.
The market composition shifted notably this week, with replacement cattle making up over a third of offerings at 34.2%, compared to just 5.9% last week. Feeder cattle comprised 30.1% of receipts while slaughter cattle accounted for 35.7%.
Key Market Trends
Feeder Cattle: Light test prevented accurate trend development, but steady undertones prevailed. With no feeder specials held and small sale sizes, buyers were forced to piece together loads from scattered offerings. Despite the challenges, demand remained good, especially for cattle suitable for grass, as both order buyers and ranchers competed for limited supplies.
Slaughter Market Strength: Slaughter cows saw strong demand with premium white cows selling $6.00 higher. Bulls gained $5.00-$7.00 as packers searched for lean meat to blend down excess fat currently on the market.
Replacement Cattle Shine: Young feeding cows saw the strongest gains, up $5.00-$8.00, driven by competition between feeding and rebreed buyers. The demand for young to middle-age cows was described as “very good” throughout the week.
Price Summary
| Category | Weight Range | Price Range ($/cwt) |
|---|---|---|
| Feeder Steers (M&L 1) | 425-435 lbs | $625.00-$630.00 |
| 715-728 lbs | $410.00-$414.00 | |
| Feeder Heifers (M&L 1) | 467-499 lbs | $492.50-$510.00 |
| 655-678 lbs | $385.00-$396.00 | |
| Slaughter Cows | Premium White | $179.50 |
| Breaker 75-80% | $168.00-$187.50 | |
| Slaughter Bulls | 1560-2290 lbs | $195.00-$235.00 |
| Stock Cows (M&L 1) | <2 years | $226.00-$361.00 |
CME Futures Provide Support
Futures markets continued their upward march, providing underlying support to cash markets. The April contract closed Friday at $374.15, up $1.25 from the previous week, while May gained $1.725 to close at $372.35. The August contract showed the strongest gains, up $2.95 to $372.45.
Looking Ahead
With very good weather conditions limiting the number of cows and heifers that lost calves coming to market, supplies remain tight across most categories. The combination of strong demand from both packers and feeders, along with limited offerings, suggests continued strength in Montana’s livestock markets.
Ranchers planning sales should note the particularly strong demand for young feeding cows suitable for rebreeding programs, as well as the continued strength in the slaughter market driven by packer demand for quality offerings.
Source: USDA AMS Montana Weekly Livestock Auction Summary