The cull cattle and dairy calf markets exhibited varied trends across Quebec and neighboring regions during the week of November 11, 2024. Highlights include declining average prices for cull cattle and steady-to-rising prices in the dairy calf market, reflecting shifts in demand and market conditions.
Cull Cattle Market Overview
- Quebec (excluding Bic auction): Total volume reached 1,535 head, with an average price of $1.133/lb live, reflecting a decline of $0.072/lb from the previous week.
- Beef-Type Cull Cattle: Prices decreased across all weight classes, with the largest drop in animals over 1,500 lbs (-$0.106/lb).
- Dairy-Type Cull Cattle: Prices for dairy types showed mixed trends; those under 1,100 lbs experienced slight declines (-$0.048/lb), while St-Hyacinthe auctions reported marginal increases for similar weight categories (+$0.020/lb).
Regional highlights include:
- St-Hyacinthe: Maintained the highest total volume (666 head) with an average price of $1.207/lb (-$0.049).
- La Guadeloupe: Showed significant strength in lightweight dairy cattle under 1,100 lbs, with a price increase of +$0.414/lb.
Dairy Calf Market Trends
Dairy calf prices exhibited upward momentum in Quebec markets, driven by high demand:
- Quebec Market Total: Total volume of dairy calves reached 3,610 head, with an average price of $9.69/lb, up by $0.21 from the previous week.
- Regional Standouts:
- Sawyerville: Led with the highest price increase (+$0.68) and an average price of $9.84/lb.
- Danville: Recorded the lowest average price ($8.29/lb), reflecting a significant decline (-$0.86).
Live Auction Trends for Specific Calf Types
- Crossbred Dairy-Butcher Male Calves: Remained the highest-value category, averaging $12.34/lb (+$0.21).
- Holstein Good Male Calves (90-120 lbs): Averaged $8.78/lb, with a slight decline (-$0.01).
- Other Milk Breeds: Averaged $5.05/lb, down by $0.17.
Ontario and U.S. Markets
- Eastern Ontario: Dairy calves averaged $9.08/lb, a significant increase of $2.34 from the previous week, highlighting stronger buyer interest.
- United States (Pennsylvania): Limited data availability, with no recorded prices for dairy calves.
This week’s results reflect seasonal shifts in demand and price sensitivity across weight classes and regions, with dairy calf markets showing resilience despite softening trends in cull cattle prices.
