Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were up $4-$6 while calf markets traded $6 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels. May feeder cattle futures are trading at a $8 premium to the nearby March contract. The carrying charge in the futures market has encouraged buyers to step forward sooner rather than […] Read more
Klassen: Canadian feeder market rationing demand
Demand from Ontario remains aggressive
U.S. continues with lower beef production
Market Update: Feeder market is sending signals to increase heifer retention and herd expansion
During the second week of January, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at an average price of $312/cwt delivered, up $8-$10/cwt from mid-December. The backlog of market-ready supplies is slowly being alleviated, which has caused the fed cattle basis to strengthen. Western Canadian carcass weights are now below year-ago levels. Wholesale […] Read more
Klassen: Larger supplies of backgrounded cattle weigh on feeder complex
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $3 lower. Calf prices were quoted $5 lower to $3 higher. Backgrounded cattle appeared to have a softer tone as more numbers come on the market. Usually, the bulk of the volume for backgrounded cattle are animals over 850 lbs. However, this year, the […] Read more
Feeder cattle sales are all about timing
Market Update: It’s important to have some choice when marketing calves
I receive many calls from cow-calf producers regarding the timing of feeder cattle sales. Ranchers often feel they are at the mercy of the market. Cow-calf producers often feel they have no control on their marketing schedule. Many producers sell at the same time every year because that was the marketing strategy for their parents […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market percolates higher amid finicky buyers
Ontario feedlots bring demand for West's calves
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $4 higher on average. Certain pockets in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan had steer calves up $4-$8 from week-ago levels. Alberta values were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier on all weight categories. Steady demand was noted from Ontario feedlots for calves while Alberta […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market’s upward trend continues
Manitoba, Saskatchewan see limited gains
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$3/cwt higher on average. Southern Alberta appeared to lead Western Canada. Prices in the Lethbridge area were up $8/cwt to as much as $15/cwt from week-ago levels. Major operations have liquidated a significant amount fed cattle and become more current with production. There was a […] Read more
Cow-calf producers have opportunity for expansion
Calf prices expected to remain strong for at least two years, and perhaps three
Throughout the fall, I received many inquiries from cow-calf producers regarding herd expansion. During the latter half of November, good bred cows and higher-quality bred heifers were trading in the range of $1,800-$2,200 in central and southern Alberta. Younger cow-calf pairs were selling in the range of $1,600-$2,100 in the same regions. With current prices […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market price discovery continues
Ontario buying interest leading Prairie market
In last week’s issue, we mentioned there was a large discrepancy in prices across Western Canada. Compared to the third week of December, prices in Manitoba were up $8/cwt to as much as $15/cwt, while Alberta markets were steady to $2/cwt higher. This past week, feeder prices in the eastern Prairie regions were relatively unchanged […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market looks upward
Quality of available cattle contributes to volatility
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable. Compared to three weeks ago, Alberta prices were steady to $2/cwt higher while in Saskatchewan, prices were $8-$10/cwt higher on average with lighter-weight cattle jumping as much as $15. For example, in central Alberta, higher-quality 800-lb. steers were trading from $230 to $235 and 600-pounders were valued […] Read more
Beef supplies will tighten by mid-2023
Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Feeder cattle market will function to encourage expansion
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices trended lower throughout the fall. During late August and the first half of September, higher-quality yearlings in Manitoba weighing 850 pounds were trading in the range of $255-$260/cwt. In early December, replacement cattle of similar quality in the same region were quoted at $240. Calves had a similar trend, dropping […] Read more