Montana’s livestock auctions saw significantly lighter activity this week, with total receipts dropping to 2,293 head compared to 3,670 head last week. Despite the lower volume, renewed demand for grass cattle and improved pasture conditions from recent rains provided some bright spots for ranchers across the state.
Market Highlights
Recent rainfall across much of Montana has improved pasture and range conditions, sparking renewed interest in cattle suitable for grass turnout. Demand for feeder cattle remained good to very good, even with limited test numbers making trend analysis difficult. Quality varied from plain to attractive, with most cattle offered in small groups or as singles.
CME futures markets experienced significant volatility this week. A confirmed case of New World screw worm initially pressured prices before pushing them limit higher on Thursday. The August contract closed Friday at $353.90, up $5.48 from the previous week’s close.
Key Price Summary
| Category | Weight Range | Price Range ($/cwt) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium-Large 1 Steers | 509 lbs | $546.00 | Light test |
| 551-570 lbs | $465.00-$501.00 | ||
| 650-662 lbs | $415.00-$445.00 | ||
| 700-705 lbs | $410.00-$427.00 | ||
| Medium-Large 1 Heifers | 493-494 lbs | $420.00-$432.50 | |
| 605-643 lbs | $388.00-$410.00 | ||
| 700-736 lbs | $370.00-$379.00 | ||
| Breaker Cows (75-80%) | 1485-1910 lbs | $169.00-$178.50 | Average dressing |
| Boner Cows (80-85%) | 1251-1616 lbs | $176.00-$186.50 | Average, return to feed |
| Slaughter Bulls | 1540-2370 lbs | $202.50-$222.00 | Average dressing, down $2-6 |
| Young Stock Cows (<2 yrs) | 745-1380 lbs | $201.00-$341.50 | Up $8-12, Med-Large 1 |
Market Movements
Slaughter cattle markets faced pressure with most categories trading lower. Breaking cows held steady in limited comparisons, but boning and lean cows dropped $4-8 per hundredweight. Slaughter bulls were off $2-6, while feeding bulls declined $2-4. Interestingly, bulls suitable for feeding often brought higher prices on a dressed basis than high-yielding bulls headed directly to harvest.
The bright spot came in replacement cattle markets, where young cows suitable for feeding or rebreeding sold $8-12 higher. Recent rains gave buyers confidence to purchase cattle for turnout and breeding programs. Canadian buyers remained active, particularly for thinner-fleshed, lower-yielding cattle for feeding programs.
Weekly Receipts Breakdown
- Total Receipts: 2,293 head (vs. 3,670 last week, 2,792 last year)
- Feeder Cattle: 543 head (23.7%)
- Slaughter Cattle: 1,217 head (53.1%)
- Replacement Cattle: 533 head (23.2%)
Of the feeder cattle supply over 600 pounds, 66% fell into this heavier weight category, reflecting the seasonal movement toward grass-ready cattle.
Looking Ahead
With improved moisture conditions across much of the state and continued good demand for grass cattle, Montana ranchers have reason for cautious optimism. The volatile futures markets and mixed demand from American packers suggest continued price uncertainty, but strong feeding demand—both domestic and Canadian—should provide support for the right kind of cattle.
Market activity was mostly moderate to active despite a smaller buyer pool, indicating underlying strength in fundamentals even as overall numbers remain light.
Source: USDA AMS Montana Weekly Livestock Auction Summary