Last week’s price action in western Canadian feeder markets was quite variable. Yearling prices were steady to $4 lower on average across the Prairies. Mid-weight cattle were down $3-$4 in Alberta and $2-$4 higher in Manitoba. Calf prices were also mixed. In eastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, calves traded $2 to as much as $8 above […] Read more
Klassen: Diverse price behaviour seen in feeder market
Lower beef production driving the feeder cattle market
Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Both U.S. and Canadian producers expected to hold on to replacement heifers
Canadian beef production for the 2021 calendar year was estimated at 3.258 million tonnes, up seven per cent from the 2020 output of 3.057 million tonnes. U.S. commercial beef production was estimated at 27.950 billion pounds, which is a record high. This is up three per cent from the 2020 U.S. production of 27.174 billion […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market establishes short-term stability
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged. Steady demand was noted on 800-plus-pound cattle, but calves and lighter weights experienced softer buying interest. Favourable weather and optimal pen conditions along with firmer live cattle futures supported the yearling market. Imports of U.S. corn continue to run 10-14 […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market softens on tight feed grain supply
Ontario buying interest subsides
Compared to last week, prices for yearling steers were down $2-$4 while yearling heifers were down $4 to as much as $8. Calf markets were down $3-$6 from last week. Negative feeding margins, colder temperatures and tight feed grain supplies were the three main factors setting a negative tone in the feeder market. Rail imports […] Read more
Who makes money in the beef industry?
Market Update with Jerry Klassen: The cow-calf producer does have options for increasing returns
Over the past year, I’ve received many inquiries from cow-calf producers regarding the margin structure for packing plants. Wholesale beef prices have been trading near historical highs, but this hasn’t translated into significantly higher feeder cattle prices. Cow-calf producers often believe they are at the bottom of the ladder when it comes to profitability throughout […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market remains firm
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $3 lower on average; calves were relatively unchanged but limited numbers were on offer. Strength in the Canadian dollar appeared to temper demand from south of the border in the 750-plus-lb. weight categories. Last week was the first full week of sales in both […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder markets start 2022 with a roar
Compared to late December, western Canadian yearling prices were quoted $6-$8 higher on average; however, fancier, lower flesh packages in the 850- to 900-lb. category were $10-$12 higher. Calf markets were quite variable. Early in the week, calf prices were relatively unchanged but markets were up $3-$6 by Friday. Ontario buyers were extremely aggressive last […] Read more
Feeder cattle market poised to rally in 2022
Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Higher barley production forecast, with feed grain prices expected to fall
Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in the range of $163-$165 during the second week of December. This is up $9-$11 from 30 days earlier. Canadian prices have been pulled higher by strength in the U.S. fed market. Fed cattle prices in Texas and Kansas were actively trading in the range […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market has positive factors
There were no feeder cattle sales last week due to the holiday season; however, this didn’t stop many cow-calf producers from inquiring about the market outlook for 2022. This past year was one for the record books. There is no doubt about it. Waves of COVID-19 caused beef demand to be quite volatile from month […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market closes year on firm tone
There were no major sales last week; however, a few auction barns held sales with a light run of feeder cattle along with bred cows and bred heifers. Compared to seven days earlier, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged. Liquidation of the cow herd was the main feature on both sides of the […] Read more