Steady to higher seems to be the common theme in the majority of cattle markets throughout North America.
In the southern U.S., it looks like the trades are going to come in steady to one higher and the north is pretty steady with last week, says Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange in this week’s episode of Beef Market Update. Where there was a change was in the cutout pricing as packers reduced kills. The choice jumped $10 compared to a week ago. That strength is not overly surprising with the upcoming beef holidays in the U.S., she says.
In Canada, Alberta has been quiet on the market front. This could partially be due to the shortened holiday week, with Canadian Thanksgiving on the horizon and cattle being held over, as well as the strength in the U.S. market, Wasko reflects.
Carcass weights in Canada are one of the areas that have seen some growth with steer weights jumping eleven pounds over last week, which puts those weights at three pounds heavier than a year ago and 12 pounds heavier than the five year average. “Weights have been big, both in the U.S. and Canada. And it sure doesn’t look like we’re going to deviate from that that situation at all”, says Wasko.
Wasko says that economics are likely the main driving factor in the weight increases, but overall, genetics and nutrition improvements have resulted in the ability to put more weight on animals as well.
Listen below full update.
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