Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $3 higher on average. Quality yearling packages of larger volume traded $2-$3 above week-ago levels. The calf market is becoming more defined. Larger calf volumes were on offer in Saskatchewan and Manitoba but smaller numbers were noted in Alberta. Therefore, we can’t accurately compare […] Read more
Klassen: April live cattle futures pull nearby cash feeder market higher
More feedlots switching back to barley
Klassen: Feeder market ratchets higher
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices markets traded $2-$5 higher on average. Calves were quite variable. This was the first week when larger groups of calves were featured on the internet sales. Prices on the internet appeared to be significantly stronger than smaller groups under 10 head moving through auction rings. Feedlot operators […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder markets digest StatCan data
Barley crop expected up 34 per cent on year
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $2 higher. Yearling prices have strengthened by $8-$10 over the past four weeks. Calf values were relatively unchanged but the market was hard to define due to limited volumes. Alberta packers were buying on a dressed basis from $300 to $302 delivered, up $1-$2 […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger fed market supports feeder complex
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$4 higher on average. Heavier calves over 700 lbs. continued to climb, notching gains of $2-$4. Calves weighing 500-700 lbs. were $4 to as much as $7 higher. This past week, there was a light test of calves under 500 lbs.. Prices were near historical highs […] Read more
U.S. cattle herd continues to contract
Market Update: Lower feed grain prices this fall will improve feeder margins
During the first half of August, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in the range of $173-$176 FOB the feedlot in southern Alberta. Fed cattle prices have been relatively flat over the past month as the U.S. market contends with a sizeable year-over-year increase in fed cattle supplies. Alberta basis levels […] Read more
Klassen: Hot demand sustains yearling market
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Heavier calves over 700 lbs. were quoted $2-$4 higher on average. Calves under 700 lbs. were quite variable. There were limited numbers on offer in the lighter weight categories and the market remains in price discovery mode. Larger strings of […] Read more
Klassen: Alberta yearling market makes fresh 52-week high
The western Canadian feeder cattle market is in price discovery mode. There was a light test of yearlings and calves this past week, with prices setting fresh 52-week highs. New-crop supplies of grass cattle are coming on the market from drier pockets of Alberta. At the same time, regular feedlot backgrounded replacements are trading at […] Read more
Klassen: Light test of feeder cattle reflects hot demand
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged; prices for mid-weight calves were $2 to $5 higher. Calves under 550 pounds were up $6 to $8 on average while feather light bawlers were up a sold $10 above week-ago levels. Weaker feed grain prices along with strength in the deferred live cattle […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market experiences calm before upcoming storm
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged. Once again, overall volumes were limited, with small strings and singles moving through auction barns. The quality was quite variable and offbeat stragglers were quite common. Buyers incorporate a risk discount on these cattle; therefore, prices do not represent […] Read more
Lower beef production means higher prices
As the U.S. herd contracts, this is the year for Canadian producers to increase numbers
During the latter half of June, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $170-$173 f.o.b. the feedlot in southern Alberta. The market was up $2 to $3 from 30 days earlier. Prices were marking fresh 52-week highs as feedlots in Western Canada contend with a backlog of market-ready supplies. The fed cattle […] Read more