Strength in the deferred live cattle futures has spilt over into the feeder complex. Alberta and Saskatchewan placements in the lighter weight categories are down from year-ago levels which is resulting in stronger Alberta fed cattle basis levels for next spring. These are the main factors influencing the calf markets in Western Canada.
Klassen: Western Canadian calf markets percolate higher
Klassen: Western Canadian feeder market demand remains firm
Ontario buying interest was evident in Manitoba yearling markets. U.S. buyers were more interested in lighter calves and were shopping for pre-conditioned groups of sizeable volume. Certain finishing operators in Alberta were more aggressive on grass yearlings after waiting for lower prices earlier in the season.
Cattle market vulnerable to slower economic growth
The Markets: Watch consumer trends for indications of a beef price slowdown
Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $425-$428/cwt delivered in mid-August. Live prices were quoted at $255/cwt (US$186), f.o.b. feedlot, in southern Alberta. The fed market has come off the summer highs as demand eases moving into the fall period. Monthly restaurant spending on both sides of the […] Read more
Klassen: Discounts start to appear in the feeder market
For the week ending September 14, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. However, yearling quality has become quite variable resulting in a diverse price structure.
Klassen: Feeder cattle markets in price discovery mode
For the week ending September 7, Western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $5/cwt higher in Alberta but steady to $6/cwt lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba compared to seven days earlier. Major feedlots in Alberta appear to be focusing on local cattle. The calf market is in price discovery mode with prices quoted $10/cwt higher to $10/cwt lower.
Klassen: Feeder cattle market stabilizes
For the week ending August 31, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Finishing feedlots are exuding a cautious sentiment. While order buyers had a full deck, there were upside limits. Pen-sized strings of quality yearlings traded at a premium to average values. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle […] Read more
Klassen: Larger supplies weigh on feeder market
For the week ending August 24, Western Canadian yearling prices were down $6-$12/cwt from seven days earlier. Calf markets traded $10-$12/cwt below week-ago levels. Larger numbers are coming on stream resulting in the softer tone.
Klassen: Yearling market softens on economic uncertainty
For the week ending August 17, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $3-$5 lower on average. Three weeks ago, 1,000 pound steers off grass reached up to $340/cwt. This past week, these same cattle were quoted in the range of $315-$325/cwt.
Beef demand made seasonal highs in July
The Markets: Cattle markets have started to grind lower, but the feeder market has held
The beef market appears to have made a seasonal high during the first week of July. Wholesale choice beef prices reached up to US$329/cwt during the week ending July 6 before fading to US$319/cwt during the third week of July. Weaker wholesale values have resulted in lower U.S. fed cattle values. During the first week […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market holds value amid economic uncertainty
Overall, the calf market appeared to be more sensitive to the weakness in the deferred live cattle futures while buyers of yearlings were focused on securing ownership. Ideas are that yearling supplies are down from year-ago levels and scarcity factor is driving the bullish enthusiasm.