Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged, to as much as $10 lower compared to last week.
Demand for heifers was suffering last week. A weaker tone was noted in the Eastern prairie regions as Ontario demand appeared to evaporate last week. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $368-$370/cwt, down $7-$8 from last week.
Klassen: Feeder market ends year on mixed sentiment
Some feedlots becoming backed up with heavier cattle, setting negative tone for feed complex
Klassen: Year-end buying interest boosts feeder market
Feedlot operators gearing up for shortfall in overall numbers in the first half of 2024
Strength was noted in calves under 650 pounds while feeders over 700 pounds were relatively unchanged. Larger packages of weaned quality genetics were $8 to $10 higher in some cases.
Klassen: Feeder market bounces on lower volumes
Feedlot operators believe yearling numbers will be down in March and April
Strength was noted in Manitoba and Saskatchewan while a softer tone was evident in Alberta. Once again, buyers shrugged off the weaker feeder cattle futures and the focus was on filling year-end orders. Alberta and Saskatchewan feedlots are carrying larger numbers but there appears to be sufficient bunk capacity available to sustain the price structure.
USDA increases beef production forecasts
Market Update with Jerry Klassen: All factors suggest the winds of market change are beginning to blow
Alberta fed cattle prices during November were averaging $385/cwt on a dressed basis, down $5/cwt from 30 days earlier. Live prices f.o.b. feedlot in southern Alberta were quoted in the range of $228/cwt to $230/cwt, the lowest since May. The market has come under pressure as U.S. beef forecasts for the first half of 2024 […] Read more
Klassen: Strong demand continues to support feeder market
Significant downside risk ahead
For the week ending Nov. 25, western Canadian yearling prices were $4-$8/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. However, calf markets were firm trading $5-$8/cwt on either side of unchanged compared to values quoted a week prior. Optimal weather in southern Alberta caused major feedlot operators to stretch their hands across the Prairies. At the […] Read more
Klassen: Canadian feeder buyers ignore weaker futures market
U.S. feedlot placements up four per cent
For the week ending Nov. 18, western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $3-$5/cwt on either side of unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Buyers appeared to shrug off the weaker futures market and the defensive tone from a week earlier evaporated. Eastern Prairie markets were firm, with larger packages of quality cattle trading a solid […] Read more
Klassen: Cash feeder prices soften on futures market uncertainty
Supplies are higher than expected as consumers reign in spending
The live and feeder cattle futures appear to be incorporating a risk discount due to the uncertainty in demand. Consumers are pulling in the reigns on spending. Interest rates are at 40 year highs and inflation remains elevated. Larger supplies and lower demand results in lower prices.
Klassen: Buyers contemplate feeder market prices
In adverse weather, sale results vary
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$5/cwt lower on average although limited numbers made the market hard to define. Calf markets traded $4-$8/cwt on either side of unchanged. It appeared that 700-plus-lb. calves were up $4 to as much as $8. The variation in the price structure was due to the adverse […] Read more
All signs point toward herd expansion
Market Update: Cow-calf operators and backgrounders need to adjust marketing strategy
During the first half of October, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at average prices of $390/cwt. Live prices f.o.b the feedlot in southern Alberta were quoted at $233/cwt. The Alberta fed cattle market was unchanged from 30 days earlier. Market-ready supplies in the U.S. will tighten during the fourth quarter […] Read more
Klassen: Canadian feeder market holds value despite weaker futures
Weaker loonie offers support
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices traded $3-$5 lower while calf values were relatively unchanged. The market was slightly softer early in the week. On Wednesday, Alberta packers renewed fed cattle bids similar to week-ago levels and the aggressive buying lifted calf prices back up to levels similar to seven days earlier. Adverse […] Read more
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