Sale Dates: April 25 – May 1, 2025
The latest cattle market results from Ontario auctions show solid pricing across fed and stocker beef categories, with particularly strong demand for lighter-weight calves and well-finished steers and heifers. Below is a summary of key trends for the Ontario beef sector.
Fed Cattle Overview (Ontario)
Fed Steers – Medium & Large Frame
-
Over 1250 lbs: Averaged $286.23/cwt, with a high of $319.00.
-
1001–1250 lbs: Averaged $296.72/cwt, topping at $350.00.
-
Under 1000 lbs: Drew premium prices, averaging $382.79/cwt, with a top of $412.50.
Fed Heifers – Medium & Large Frame
-
Over 1000 lbs: Averaged $287.08/cwt, peaking at $313.50.
-
901–1000 lbs: Averaged $267.05/cwt, with a top price of $312.50.
Note: Fed dairy and dairy cross cattle traded at lower averages, with large-frame heifers over 1000 lbs averaging $228.19/cwt.
Cows and Bulls
-
Cows: Across 2,020 head, the average was $180.85/cwt, with a high of $396.09.
-
Bulls Over 1600 lbs: Averaged $225.63/cwt, with a top of $270.00.
-
Under 1600 lbs: Averaged $233.69/cwt, reaching as high as $634.99.
Stocker Steers – Large & Medium Frame
Younger, lighter-weight steers continue to attract strong interest from Ontario buyers:
-
Under 400 lbs: Averaged $764.58/cwt, with a top of $1910.00.
-
500–599 lbs: Averaged $560.70/cwt.
-
600–699 lbs: Averaged $500.94/cwt.
-
800–899 lbs: Softer at $427.48/cwt.
-
Over 1000 lbs: Averaged $372.30/cwt.
Stocker Heifers – Large & Medium Frame
Prices remained competitive, particularly in lower weight brackets:
-
400–499 lbs: Averaged $510.78–$523.79/cwt, depending on frame size.
-
600–699 lbs: Averaged $453.35–$456.54/cwt.
-
Over 900 lbs: Heifers brought $338.44–$346.58/cwt on average.
Feeder Cows
-
Limited volume (8 head), with prices ranging from $172.12 to $248.75/cwt, and a top of $332.50.
Ontario Market Highlights
-
Premiums continue for calves under 600 lbs, with some selling for over $1000/cwt.
-
Fed steers and heifers showed strong consistency, with most animals over 1000 lbs selling in the $280–$290/cwt range.
-
Cows and bulls held steady, with some standout top prices for high-quality individuals.
-
Dairy cross cattle were discounted compared to beef breeds.
The Ontario beef market continues to reward quality and condition, particularly in lighter stockers and finished cattle. Calves with growth potential and animals meeting premium specs are achieving top dollar across weight classes.
