Public Auction Yards, Montana

Compared to last week (1-21-26): Feeder steers under 500 lbs were too lightly tested to develop an accurate market trend, however steady undertones were noticed. 500-749 lbs steers sold fully steady. Heifers under 450 lbs were too lightly tested to develop any market trend, heifers over 450 lbs sold generally steady. Feeder cattle all sold on good to very good demand for light to moderate offerings. Quality this week was average to attractive and overall was not as attractive as last weeks sale. Package sizes overall were smaller this week forcing buyers to piece together loads. Buyers continue to show very good demand for all offering suitable to develop into yearlings. Offerings too big to go to grass sold on good demand with several cooperate packer orders and private feeding orders fighting over high quality offerings. Demand for heavy weight feeding heifers was very good as feeding demand surpassed demand from replacement buyers again this week. A large crowd was on hand again this week. Market activity was active as a result. Weigh up cows sold on mostly good demand and light offerings. Feeding cows sold mostly 5.00-8.00 higher. A larger crowd of feeding buyers were present for todays light offering. Packers showed stronger demand for slaughter cows this week as cold and snowy conditions in the Midwest and upper plains have limited the volume of cattle available. Slaughter cows sold on mostly moderate to good demand this week. Slaughter cows were all too lightly tested to develop an accurate market trend, however steady undertones were noticed on breaking cows and higher undertones were noticed on boning and lean cow. Very few cows were purchased to slaughter this week as feeding demand kept prices above breakeven for packers. Slaughter bulls were too lightly tested to develop an accurate market trend, however higher undertones were noticed. Young age offerings were too lightly tested to develop an accurate market trend, however steady undertones were noticed on an average quality offering.

Receipts