Montana’s cattle markets showed renewed strength this week as auction yards held their annual Aprilfest feeder specials, with total receipts jumping to 4,859 head — a significant increase from last week’s light 1,836 head, though still down from last year’s 5,840 head during the same period.
The week’s activity was dominated by feeder cattle, which made up 75.5% of total receipts at 3,667 head. After last week’s limited offerings made it difficult to establish clear trends, this week brought steady to higher undertones across all feeder categories, with good to very good demand from both order buyers and ranchers.
Strong Demand for Grass-Ready Cattle
“Cattle suitable to run on grass sold with the best demand as order buyers and ranchers both chased this weight of feeders,” according to the market report. Many of the cattle offered had been backgrounded over winter and spring, with load lots commanding very good demand even among backgrounded offerings.
Despite CME futures retreating from recent contract highs — with August contracts closing at $365.67, down $6.77 from the previous Friday — market activity remained active with a large pool of buyers both in the stands and bidding online.
Key Price Summary
| Category | Weight Range | Price Range ($/cwt) | Average Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium & Large 1 Steers | 450-500 lbs | $530.00-$590.00 | $568.00 |
| 600-650 lbs | $442.50-$487.50 | $457.89 | |
| 750-800 lbs | $385.00-$408.00 | $401.80 | |
| Medium & Large 1 Heifers | 450-500 lbs | $492.50-$560.00 | $509.61 |
| 600-650 lbs | $390.00-$431.00 | $411.08 | |
| 700-750 lbs | $358.00-$415.00 | $385.53 | |
| Slaughter Cows – Boner | 1000-1535 lbs | $175.00-$187.50 | $183.33 |
| Slaughter Bulls – Grade 1 | 1800-2200 lbs | $194.00-$207.50 | $201.45 |
| Replacement Heifers | 850-900 lbs | $2925.00-$3250.00 | $3154.25/head |
Cow and Bull Markets Remain Strong
The slaughter cow market maintained its strength with good to very good demand from major packers, particularly for high-quality cows. Young feeding cows continue to attract premium interest from both feeding and rebreeding buyers, with very good demand noticed again this week.
Slaughter bulls sold mostly steady with good demand as packers search for lean meat to blend down excess fat currently on the market. The competition between packers and feeding bull buyers over similar offerings kept prices firm.
Replacement Cattle Market Active
Replacement cattle made up 9.8% of this week’s receipts at 475 head, with strong demand for all quality levels. Young cows suitable to feed or rebreed sold mostly steady to firm, though limited offerings continue due to favorable weather conditions keeping producers from marketing cattle that lost calves.
Looking ahead, the combination of good grass conditions, active buyer participation, and steady demand across all categories suggests Montana’s cattle markets are positioned for continued strength as we move deeper into spring.
Total receipts: 4,859 head (up from 1,836 last week, down from 5,840 last year)
Feeder cattle: 3,667 head (75.5% of total)
Slaughter cattle: 717 head (14.8% of total)
Replacement cattle: 475 head (9.8% of total)
