Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada have been percolating higher over the past month. Steady buying interest from finishing feedlots along with lower available numbers has set a positive tone. I’m advising cow calf producers that this is the time to start rebuilding the herds. The US and bulk of Canadian industry appears to be […] Read more
Be ready when feeder cattle prices bounce back in 2010/2011
producers are starting to talk about even seeing profits
The deteriorating economy continues to weigh on the hog complex. However, despite lower restaurant demand, retail movement has actually increased resulting in slightly higher cash prices. Talking with hog producers in Manitoba, apparently some producers had positive margins for the first time in nearly 18 months. This appears to have renewed the enthusiasm and the […] Read more
Calf Crop Shrinking Since ‘05
Supplies of market ready cattle are down from year ago levels , but the cattle market remains under pressure due to softer demand. Consumer confidence remains at record lows and unemployment numbers continue to grow. Cash cattle prices are expected to remain stable in the short term and then trend lower into June. Values in […] Read more
Hog Industry Down 10% From ‘08
Canadian hog industry continues to move through a contraction phase. Despite the lower hog numbers, the market remains under pressure due to lower consumer incomes. The economy continues to deteriorate and it appears that we may see higher unemployment numbers over the next six to eight months. Exports are also slowing due to weakening demand […] Read more
Canadian pork production is forecast to be down nearly 80 million mt from 2008
US Broiler Production (Million pounds) US Pork Production (Million pounds) Cash hog prices appear to be stabilizing in line with seasonal tendency to strengthen into the second quarter. The USDA recently made revisions to their expected production and the demand has also improved due to lower poultry and beef supplies. Pork is still the most […] Read more
Market-Ready Cattle In Demand
Fed cattle were trading in the range of $86 to $88 for the week ending February 14. The market appears to have strengthened on better than expected demand and tighter market-ready supplies. USDA reported wholesale values at the lowest levels since Sept 9, 2005. Choice product was quoted at $135.76/ cwt and select product at […] Read more
Producers in Alberta and Saskatchewan will be looking for grass cattle in spring
The cash cattle market appears to have stabilized for the time being. Fed steers were trading at $82 in the US Southern Plains while the carcass trade was quoted at $132 in Nebraska. At the same time, market ready cattle were selling in the range of $85 to $87 in Alberta. Supplies of market ready […] Read more
Hog Prices Grind Lower
In the previous issue, I mentioned that weaker demand would result in lower hog prices. Analysts now see further deterioration in the economy and this will continue to pressure the hog market. Export interest for pork products remains sluggish as the US recession continues to set a negative tone around the globe. Uncertainty over the […] Read more
The lowest price at the retail meat counter is what matters to consumers
“Alberta Steers were trading in the range of $84 to $85 while heifers were in the range of $85 to $87. The cash market appears to be holding value but it is difficult to build a case for higher prices given the current economic situation.” U. S. cattle inventory numbers are at their lowest levels […] Read more
Soft Demand Weighs On Hogs
The hog market has a tendency to move from historical highs to historical lows and this is a very good opportunity to lock in some decent margins. Cash hog values remain under pressure as demand continues to wane. Offshore movement has slowed and the domestic market is struggling to absorb larger supplies of all meats. […] Read more