Weaker CDN $ helps offset “COOL effect”

The Markets

I’ve received a few inquiries lately in regards to the outlook of the Canadian dollar and how a stronger U.S. greenback influences local cattle prices. The Canadian dollar recently dropped to four-year lows against the U.S. dollar and it appears the trend is not over. We have seen a drop in fed cattle exports to […] Read more



Markets will soften heading into summer

Fed and feeder cattle prices have been percolating higher throughout the winter and early spring. Lower-than-anticipated beef production along with steady consumer demand drove fed cattle prices to record highs in Canada and the U.S. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $145/cwt to $146/cwt in early spring, which is approximately $12/cwt above […] Read more

Klassen: Fresh historical highs sum up feeder market

All weight categories posted higher prices this last week in Western Canada. In central Alberta, quality Charolais-based stockers weighing 535 pounds touched the magical $250 per hundredweight (cwt) level; shorter-keep, medium-flesh exotics weighing just over 800 lbs. traded at $196/cwt at the same sale. Scarcity was the main concern amongst buyers this week. Stronger prices […] Read more


A cow and new calf on May 4 near Turtle Lake, Sask., about 110 km north of North Battleford. (Lisa Guenther photo)

Klassen: Lower available supplies bolster feeder market

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were a solid $4-$6 per hundredweight (cwt) higher last week in comparison to seven days earlier; however, certain auction barns reflected a hesitant uneven tone as the market moved higher. Feedlot buying interest remains abnormally strong for this time of year and surging deferred live cattle futures justified the higher […] Read more

Klassen: Lower available supplies support feeder market

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively flat last week, trading steady with week-ago levels while quality replacements were $2-$3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher. Feedlot buying interest was not afraid to pay up larger groups of fancier cattle with limited supplies expected in upcoming weeks. In southern Alberta, black steers weighing 785 pounds traded near […] Read more


Klassen: Feeder cattle market flattens out

Feedlot buying interest appears to be waning at the higher levels as breakeven pen closeout prices on 750-pound-plus feeders continue to creep higher. Upcoming uncertainty in feed grain prices, along with softer wholesale beef values, has the ability to squeeze feeding margins in late summer and feedlot managers are carefully assessing the risk/reward economics. Alberta […] Read more



Klassen: Feeder cattle upward price trend continues

Western Canadian feeder prices for 800-plus-pound cattle were generally steady with week-ago levels while lower weight categories experienced a week-over-week gain of $3-$6 per hundredweight (cwt). Strength in the U.S. feeder complex led the surge higher on grassers and lighter weight feedlot placement cattle. Healthy feedlot margins continue to support the overall feeder complex and […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle market takes a breath

After the buying frenzy in mid-March, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were generally steady last week, with stronger demand noted in the lighter-weight stocker categories. The market is now experiencing 650-pound steers readily trading at $210 per hundredweight (cwt), with favourable pasture conditions expected in most regions of Western Canada. In certain cases, higher prices […] Read more