Strong beef demand supports feeder cattle prices, but Trump tariffs’ effect on the U.S. economy could be a risk to Canadian cattle producers.
Strong beef demand supports feeder cattle prices
The Markets: Yet-unknown impact of Trump tariffs on U.S. economy is a risk
Klassen: Feeder market slips off record highs
For the week ending September 20, Western Canadian feeder markets traded steady to $5/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. There were pockets where quality calf packages traded $10-$15/cwt below prices from the prior week. The October feeder cattle futures have been trading at $15/cwt premium to the deferred March 2026 contract. This inverse in […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market eyes deferred live cattle futures
For the week ending September 13, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. The April 2026 live cattle futures ended the week at $233, down $10 from the contract highs. Nearby feedlot margins remain favorable; however, profitability in the deferred positions has evaporated given the weakness in the deferred […] Read more
Beef cattle market continues to set records
The Markets: The U.S. and Canadian cow herds remain in a contraction phase
The U.S. and Canadian beef cow herds remain in a contraction phase which is driving record beef market prices, analyst Jerry Klassen says.
Klassen: Feeder market continues to climb
For the week ending August 30, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $4-$8/cwt higher on average. Quality yearling and calf packages were up as much as $15/cwt in some cases.
Klassen: Feeder market makes another leg higher
For the week ending August 23, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $5 to $10 higher on average compared to seven days earlier. In some locations such as Lethbridge, larger packages of quality yearlings traded $10 to as much as $20/cwt higher.
Klassen: Feeder market consolidates at historical highs
For the week ending August 16, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged to $10 higher. Strength was noted in grass yearlings in the 800-950-pound categories.
Klassen: Strong demand supports feeder complex
For the week ending August 9, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $5 to $10 higher on average. Many weight categories notched fresh record highs. Ontario demand was evident across western Canada for calves and yearlings.
Cattle rally stalls at historic highs
The Markets: Cattle markets are acting in an unpredictable way across North America
Cattle markets have been difficult to predict over the past seven months with a decline in slaughter in the U.S. and continued increases in cattle on feed, but prices remain high.
Klassen: Feeder market in price discovery mode
For the week ending August 2, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $10 higher. Quality yearling packages off grass were up as much as $15 in some cases. Prices for similar weight cattle were quite variable across the Prairies, which made the market hard to define. The market appears to be in price discovery mode for the grass yearling market.
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