Cattle prices remain strong as the seasonal slowdown continues, according to the weekly cattle market update for the week ending May 24.

The 700-800 lb feeder steers and 700-800 lb feeder heifers were the only weight categories to report prices, with the rest not available due to lack of sufficient data.

The price of 700-800 lb steers averaged $350.67 per cwt, a week-over-week decrease of $10.62 from the prior week. The price for the same weight category of heifers averaged $313.17, down $11.33 from the last reported price during the week ending May 17.

Canfax reported 3,451 head of cattle sold at auction in the province, just below the 3,925 head sold the previous week. 

Provincial Cattle Specialist Fonda Froats says the seasonal decline of cattle going to market is one factor, along with rising feed prices and increased moisture.

Froats said Alberta cow prices remained strong as well. The price for Alberta D2 cows averaged $185.58 per cwt, an increase of $0.81 per cwt above the previous week.  The price of D3 cows increased $0.52 per cwt above the prior week to average $169.29 per cwt. 

The Canfax price for Alberta fed steers for the week ending May 24 was $260.28 per cwt, a small price increase of $0.17 per cwt over $260.11 per cwt the previous week.