Fed and feeder cattle prices appear to be in transition. All the major factors that drove the cattle and beef complex to historical highs over the past quarter are slowly turning so that it will be difficult for the market to experience further significant upside. The U.S. economic expansion, which drove beef demand to unprecedented […] Read more
Cattle prices going sideways, or may trend down
As U.S. and Canadian producers increase production, beef demand appears to be levelling off
Klassen: Various views on the feeder cattle market
If you talked to three Western Canadian cattle buyers this week, you probably would receive four different views on the market. Certain auction barns were reflecting an average week-over-week decline of $3 to $5 but feature strings of cattle were back up to historical high prices. Early sales in the season are like tryouts at a […] Read more
Klassen: Softer beef complex weighs on feeders
Western Canadian feeder cattle experienced a week-over-week decline of $3 to $6 on average. In central Alberta, the market appeared to hold value on larger strings of quality feeders but the market in all other regions of the Prairies appeared to lack buying enthusiasm. Alberta fed cattle prices were quoted in the range of $186 […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market consolidates
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets continue to consolidate at the higher levels. Most auction markets were closed due to the Canada Day holiday, so all eyes were on focused south of the border for market sentiment. Average U.S. feeder prices were steady to $3 lower at major sales in Oklahoma and Missouri as the U.S. […] Read more
Klassen: Lower grain production weighing on feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices experienced a mixed tone over the past week, with auction markets reporting prices $3 lower to $3 higher in comparison to seven days earlier. The Prairie region continues to experience above-average temperatures causing significant deterioration to pasture and crops in Alberta and western Saskatchewan. Certain auction markets experienced slightly larger […] Read more
Cattle markets expected strong through ‘til fall
Consumer spending appears to have an appetite for meats
Fed and feeder cattle markets across Canada continue to trade at historical highs on the heels of very strong beef demand. Alberta fed cattle prices continue to hover in the range of $200 to $202 per cwt; higher quality Charolais cross steers averaging 700 pounds are reaching above $300 across Western Canada. Improving consumer incomes […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market experiences softer tone
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices experienced a soft tone this past week on very light volumes. It’s that time of year where producers market the “stragglers,” or late bloomers, that were not up to standard earlier in spring. Therefore, the market was difficult to define but the overall sentiment felt malleable with various-quality cattle on […] Read more
Klassen: Drier conditions soften feeder market
Alberta and Saskatchewan feeder cattle prices were $2 to $5 lower on average last week due to rising barley prices and deteriorating pasture conditions. All weight categories were under pressure, with sharper slippage on shorter-keep replacements. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $202 to $204, but rising feed grain prices caused […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market dealing with limited precipitation
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $3 to $5 higher on average over the past week. Wholesale beef prices have come off their highs and appear to be weakening in line with the seasonal tendency. However, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $201-$203, basically in line with the market seven days […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices remain firm
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 higher on average with limited sales occurring this past week. The Livestock Markets Association of Canada held its annual convention in Winnipeg on the weekend, so many sales barns were quiet. The market at this time of year is characterized by small packages of various quality, […] Read more