Weekly Summary, Montana

Compared to last week: Feeder cattle were all too lightly tested to develop an accurate market trend, however lower undertones were noticed on a lower quality offering. Most cattle were offered in small packages or as singles this week. Very few buyers were in the stands this week as no feeder specials were held at any sale this week. Quality was mostly plain to average this week and not as attractive as last weeks offering. Demand overall was moderate on light supplies. CME positions sold off again this week as outside influences continue to impact the market. Cash slaughter cattle prices continue to try to find stability after falling from 249.00 just a few weeks ago. The last established market test in Kansas was Wednesday at 235.00, while the last established market test in the Texas Panhandle was last week with live purchases at mostly 240.00. The last established market test in Nebraska was Wednesday with live purchases at mostly 235.00 and dressed purchases at mostly 372.00. The March closed at 349.475, 6.15 lower than last Fridays close. The April closed at 343.10, 8.52 lower than last Friday. The May contract closed Friday at 339.175, 8.90 lower than last Friday. Market activity was mostly moderate with a very small crowd of buyers noticed all week. Weigh up cows sold on mostly good to very good demand for light offerings. Feeding cow demand remains the driving force in the market. Feeding cows sold generally steady. Private feeders and Canadian buyers pushed packers aside this week as both showed very good demand for feeding cows. A large crowd of feeding cow buyers were present at all sales this week. Feeding cows sold generally steady without major packer support as tight supplies and a large crowd of buyers held market positions near steady. Cow quality this week was average to attractive, but not as attractive as last weeks offering. Weigh up conditions were mostly average to below average. A winter storm seen later in the week had cows tanked up due to the change in weather. Buyers showed willingness to take even blemished cows to feed as supplies are currently very tight as very few older cows are being marketed. Slaughter cow demand remains strong as packers continue to show good demand for limited slaughter offerings. Slaughter cows were too lightly tested to develop an accurate market trend, however steady undertones were noticed on all offerings. Slaughter bulls sold mostly steady to 2.00 lower, after moving sharply higher over the last couple weeks. Demand remains good as packer search for lean meat to blend down excess fat currently on the market. Feeding bull demand was mostly good to very good again this week. Feeding bulls sold generally steady. Demand for young age cows suitable to feed or rebreed was mostly moderate to good this week. A cows and heifers which lost calves are being marketed, but with very good weather conditions limited offerings are being seen. Demand for high quality offerings is very good. Coming 2 year old cows sold mostly steady after sharply higher movement was seen over the last two weeks. Quality was average to attractive, but not as attractive as last week.

Receipts