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
Weaker CDN $ helps offset “COOL effect”
The Markets
Klassen: Demand heats up for available feeder cattle
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher with stronger buying interest noted on 800-pound-plus weight categories. Feedlot operators were once again out in full force, shopping for any available animal that might put some weight on over the next few months. Order buyers were busy on the phone but […] 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

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 market remains strong
Throughout the winter and early spring period, feeder cattle prices have been trending higher led by strength in beef values throughout the food processing chain. However, it appears consumer demand is now starting to ease, given historical high retail values. Restaurants are also cutting costs or serving smaller portions in order to reduce the effect […] 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