The Wisconsin Livestock and Grain Market News Program ceased operations Friday 
May 15, 2009 due to state budgetary constraints.

MD_LS151
Madison, WI   Thu.  Apr. 30, 2009    USDA-WI Dept of Ag Market News

Summary of Wisconsin dairy auction at Richland Cattle Center, 
Ithaca, Wisconsin on Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2009.
 
Holsteins unless otherwise stated. Prices per head, unless otherwise 
stated.
Receipts:  This week 250 head, Last month 300, Year ago 300
Demand: Moderate with good buyer attendance.  Recent rains made field 
work a non issue, so dairy farmers were in attendance to check prices and to 
possibly add to herd numbers.

Milk prices continue to make dairy a hard business to remain profitable.  The 
supply included a herd dispersal of close to 100 head.  Prices for most 
classes were firm to higher than month ago sales.  Compared to sales a year ago, 
many prices continued 150.00-300.00 below last year.  Quality of cattle was 
moderate to good with a few exceptions at higher levels.   Quality of cattle was 
moderate to good with a few exceptions at higher levels.   
Supply: 50% Fresh Milking Cows, 15% Springing Cows, 15% Springing Heifers,
        20% Open Heifers  

Fresh Milking Cows: 2-6 years old 

                 Supreme  - 1900.00-2000.00 top 2450.00

                 Approved - 1600.00-1900.00 

                 Medium   - 1250.00-1600.00

                 Common   -  900.00-1200.00

Bred Cows:  

                 Approved - 1550.00-1850.00 bred 7-9 months (Springing)

                 Medium   - 1200.00-1500.00 bred 7-9 months (Springing)
                             925.00-1375.00 few Jersey bred 7-9 months

                 Common   - 1000.00-1225.00 bred 7-9 months (Springing)

Bred Heifers:

                 Approved - 1500.00-1600.00 bred 7-9 months (Springing)

                 Medium   - 1250.00-1500.00 bred 7-9 months (Springing)

                 Common   -  900.00-1200.00 bred 7-9 months (Springing)

Open Heifers: (estimated weights)

                 85- 120 lbs.  -  300.00- 425.00
                150- 300 lbs.  -  400.00- 600.00
                300- 500 lbs.  -  650.00- 775.00
                600- 800 lbs.  -  725.00-1040.00
                900-1200 lbs.  -  850.00-1000.00

Source:  Wisconsin Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Madison, WI
         Bob Hunter    608/206-7901         
www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/MD_LS151.txt

07:00c rhh