Report – Week of June 16, 2025
The Quebec dairy cattle market experienced generally soft pricing this week, with average cull cow prices fluctuating slightly depending on region and weight class. Meanwhile, prices for dairy calves across all major live auctions posted moderate declines.
Cull Dairy Cow Market Highlights
Across Quebec (excluding the Bic auction), the average price for cull dairy cows saw a marginal weekly increase of $0.003/lb live weight, settling at $1.631/lb. While certain weight classes showed gains, lighter and heavier cows posted declines in several key markets.
By Region:
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St-Hyacinthe reported the highest average price for dairy cows at $1.710/lb, up $0.021/lb from the previous week. Prices were especially strong in the 1100–1500 lb range, peaking at $2.500/lb.
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St-Isidore followed with an average price of $1.556/lb, showing slight gains in the mid-weight category.
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La Guadeloupe experienced notable declines, with an average of $1.461/lb, down $0.111/lb, largely driven by a sharp drop in the <1100 lb category.
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Sawyerville and Danville saw minor fluctuations. Danville’s heavier cows (>1500 lb) increased modestly to an average of $1.770/lb, while its lighter cows fell significantly.
Across Quebec, the maximum recorded price for dairy cull cows reached $2.500/lb, reflecting continued strong demand for well-conditioned animals despite broader price volatility.
Dairy Calves Market Overview
The dairy calf market saw price declines across all reporting regions, driven by softer demand and larger volumes.
Key Markets:
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St-Hyacinthe moved the largest volume at 865 head, averaging $14.53/lb, a drop of $0.98/lb.
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St-Isidore reported the highest average at $15.51/lb, but still declined by $0.09/lb from the prior week.
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La Guadeloupe and Bic showed the steepest average declines of $1.57/lb and $1.40/lb, respectively.
The overall trend indicates a cooling calf market, likely reflecting seasonal shifts in demand, along with cautious buyer sentiment.
Additional Observations:
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No market data was reported from Ontario or the United States for cull dairy cattle or dairy calves, indicating limited cross-border activity or unreported volumes this week.
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Boneless beef prices (85% lean) were unavailable, offering no pricing insight into processed dairy cull meat values.
Summary:
The Quebec dairy cattle market remains relatively stable but cautious. Cull cow prices are holding up in key regions like St-Hyacinthe and St-Isidore, though weaker prices in La Guadeloupe suggest regional variability. The dairy calf market, however, is showing more pronounced weakness, with buyers paying lower prices amid ample supply and restrained demand. Continued monitoring will be essential as summer market dynamics evolve.
