Western Canadian feeder cattle prices have been trading near historical highs throughout the summer and early fall period. At the time of writing this article, larger-frame Angus steers off grass averaging 950 lbs. were trading around $320/cwt in central Alberta. Steers averaging 500 lbs. were quoted between $450/cwt and $500/cwt, depending on weaning stage and […] Read more
Fed market reflects beginning signs of herd expansion
The Markets: Beef cow numbers are still expected to decline in 2024 and 2025
Klassen: Western Canadian calf market surges
For the week ending 26, Western Canadian calf markets were up $8-$12/cwt on average compared to seven days earlier. Pee-wee calves were up $20-$25/cwt compared to the prior week. Finishing feedlot operators were active buyers in all weight categories while backgrounders were cleaning up on smaller packages of calves under 550 pounds.
Klassen: Canadian feeder markets trades premium to U.S. values
For the week ending October 19, Western Canadian yearling markets traded $3 to $5 on either side of unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Calf prices were $5 to as much as $10 higher. Strength in the deferred live cattle futures along with the weaker Canadian dollar has resulted in positive margins on incoming calves. Therefore, the calf market has developed a floor price.
Klassen: Calf market ratchets higher
For the week ending October 12, the Western Canadian prices for yearlings off grass and backgrounding operations were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. The Lethbridge market for calves was up $8-$10 from week-ago levels while calf markets in the non-major feeding regions were up a solid $4-$6 on average.
Fed cattle market grinds lower
The Markets: Softer demand shows up as North American employment weakens
During the second week of September, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $406-$410/cwt, down from prices of $425-$428/cwt a month earlier. Beef demand appears to be softening as unemployment levels increase. In addition to weaker consumer spending, September and October are two months when beef demand typically […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder markets experience stronger demand
For the week ending October 5, Western Canadian prices for grass yearlings were steady to as much as $10 higher while values for backgrounded yearlings were relatively unchanged. Calf markets were quite variable with preconditioned 650-800 pound calves trading $4-$8 above week-ago levels. Prices for non-weaned bawlers were relatively unchanged.
Klassen: Western Canadian calf markets percolate higher
Strength in the deferred live cattle futures has spilt over into the feeder complex. Alberta and Saskatchewan placements in the lighter weight categories are down from year-ago levels which is resulting in stronger Alberta fed cattle basis levels for next spring. These are the main factors influencing the calf markets in Western Canada.
Klassen: Western Canadian feeder market demand remains firm
Ontario buying interest was evident in Manitoba yearling markets. U.S. buyers were more interested in lighter calves and were shopping for pre-conditioned groups of sizeable volume. Certain finishing operators in Alberta were more aggressive on grass yearlings after waiting for lower prices earlier in the season.
Cattle market vulnerable to slower economic growth
The Markets: Watch consumer trends for indications of a beef price slowdown
Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $425-$428/cwt delivered in mid-August. Live prices were quoted at $255/cwt (US$186), f.o.b. feedlot, in southern Alberta. The fed market has come off the summer highs as demand eases moving into the fall period. Monthly restaurant spending on both sides of the […] Read more
Klassen: Discounts start to appear in the feeder market
For the week ending September 14, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. However, yearling quality has become quite variable resulting in a diverse price structure.
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