Week ending October 27, 2025
The Quebec dairy and beef cull cattle markets saw modest price declines this week, with most live auction averages trending lower compared to the previous reporting period. Data from Les Producteurs de bovins du Québec shows weaker movement across both dairy and beef types, while dairy calf prices also dipped slightly, suggesting a softer tone in the fall market.
Cull Cow Market Overview
Across Quebec, the average live price for all cull cattle (excluding Bic) settled at $1.58/lb, down $0.06/lb from the previous week.
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Dairy-type cows averaged $1.56/lb, a decrease of $0.07/lb, while
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Beef-type cows averaged $1.74/lb, down $0.13/lb.
Despite the decline, market volume remained steady, with 895 head traded across major auctions.
Regional Highlights
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St-Hyacinthe saw the most activity with 413 head, averaging $1.61/lb (down $0.10/lb). Dairy-type cows between 1100–1500 lb fetched $1.56/lb, while heavier dairy types (>1500 lb) brought $1.64/lb.
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La Guadeloupe showed a slight rebound in lighter dairy classes, with prices for cows under 1100 lb climbing $0.06/lb to an average of $1.46/lb.
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St-Isidore maintained relatively stable averages, up $0.01/lb week-over-week at $1.53/lb, bolstered by stronger sales of mid-weight dairy cows (1100–1500 lb), up $0.05/lb.
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Sawyerville recorded an average of $1.60/lb, easing $0.07/lb, though the region posted the week’s most notable gain in beef-type cattle (+0.23/lb for 1100–1500 lb class).
Volumes in Danville remained inactive for the second consecutive week.
Dairy Calves: Modest Price Erosion Continues
The Quebec dairy calf market softened further, with average prices declining across most regions.
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St-Hyacinthe led in volume, moving 977 head at an average $16.79/lb, down $0.36/lb.
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La Guadeloupe followed with 231 head at $16.72/lb, down $0.25/lb.
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St-Isidore averaged $17.17/lb, the highest of the major markets but off $0.61/lb from last week.
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Sawyerville was the lone exception, inching up $0.01/lb to $17.13/lb, while Bic posted the largest drop at -1.76/lb, averaging $15.56/lb.
No activity was reported for Ontario or U.S. (Pennsylvania) reference markets this week, and boneless beef quotations remained at $0.00, indicating incomplete or delayed data reporting.
Market Outlook
Cull cow prices typically soften into late October as on-farm culling increases ahead of winter feeding periods. The current downward adjustment aligns with seasonal trends and higher market volumes. Dairy calf demand remains subdued, likely reflecting cautious buyer sentiment amid feed cost considerations and limited export movement.
While localized upticks at La Guadeloupe and Sawyerville suggest some buyer resilience, the broader trend across Quebec remains bearish for both cull cows and dairy calves heading into November.
Source: Les Producteurs de bovins du Québec, live auction reports for the week ending October 27, 2025.
