Public Auction Yards Livestock Cattle Auction - Billings, MT (Wed)

Market narrative · Aug 19, 2026

Compared to last week (7-29-26): Feeder steers were too lightly tested last sale to develop any market trend. Yearling heifers were too lightly tested last sale to develop an accurate market trend, however steady to higher undertones were noticed on all offerings under 950 lbs. Heifers over 950 lbs sold with lower undertones. Quality this week was mostly average to attractive. Most offerings were in small packages to moderate size packages or as singles. Demand was mostly good to very good for yearlings and light to moderate for calves. Demand for calves suffered as hot days continue to be in the forecast for the coming days and limited offerings made building loads difficult. CME positions traded with heavy losses today, however buyers seemed unfazed as they continue to show strong demand for cattle coming off grass. Market activity was active, despite a small buyer pool noticed. Weigh up cows sold on mostly moderate demand for light to moderate offerings. Demand for feeding cows was moderate this week. Cow quality was mostly plain to average this week and limited demand. Many cows were out of dry country this sale and were thin or plain as a result. Quality selection made it difficult for buyers to build and fill loads. Canadian buyers were back in the market this week as they purchased cows to ship north to feed. Feeding cows sold generally steady on a lower quality offering. Weigh up conditions were also below average as many full cows were noticed this week. Slaughter cow demand was slightly stronger this week as packers all showed need for cows for immediate harvest. The spread between feeding cows and slaughter cows was as tight this sale as it has been in well over a year. Slaughter cows sold generally steady to firm on a lower yielding offering. Slaughter bulls sold mostly 3.00-4.00 lower on a poorer yielding offering. Many blemished bulls were seen this week as most offerings come out of breeding pastures. Feeding bull demand was moderate this sale. Feeding bulls sold mostly 5.00 lower on a poorer quality offering. Young age cows were all too lightly tested to develop any market comparison. Quality was mostly plain to average. Many young cows were fleshy coming off grass, especially if they have not calved. Young cow quality this week was mostly plain, and many were purchased to feed.