Klassen: Feeder cattle climb continues

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 per hundredweight higher on average in comparison to week-ago levels. Buyers appeared to be more aggressive for cattle over 800 pounds. A large group of tan/white Charolais steers averaging 935 pounds sold for $141/cwt west of Edmonton, which is a record high for this weight category; […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle ratchet higher

Feeder cattle in Western Canada were $2-$3 per hundredweight higher for the second week in a row. Strength in the deferred live cattle futures, along with stronger beef wholesale prices, set a positive tone to the feeder market. In central Alberta, a small group of red Angus-cross steers weighing 608 pounds sold for $170/cwt; large-frame […] Read more



Klassen: Mixed tone for feeder cattle

Western Canadian feeder cattle were steady to $2 per hundredweight weaker while heavier feeder cattle were down $2-$4/cwt. Fed cattle in Alberta sold for $112/cwt, also down $2 from the previous week, which spilled over into shortkeep replacement cattle. Larger groups of quality cattle continue to hold value but buyers are more willing to discount […] Read more



Klassen: Feeder cattle up $2-$3/cwt in West

Light-weight feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were up $3-$5 per hundredweight on average last week while heavier feeders were up $2-$3/cwt. October and December live cattle futures made new contract highs, reaching over $131/cwt, which enhanced buying enthusiasm in the feeder complex. Large-frame age-verified Charolais-cross steers weighing 497 pounds sold for $212/cwt at a […] Read more


Klassen: Western Canadian feeder cattle surge higher

Western Canadian feeder cattle under 600 pounds were up $8-$10 per hundredweight (cwt) this past week. A small group of exotic steers averaging 570 pounds sold for $170/cwt in west-central Alberta; black Angus-cross steers averaging 535 pounds touched $185/cwt in the same region. Heavier feeders were averaging $5-$8/cwt higher over week-ago levels. A mixed batch […] Read more



Klassen: Feeder cattle edge higher

Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were steady to $2-$3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher during the first week of 2012. There is a market tendency for feeder prices to jump after the holiday season and this year was no exception. Small, non-feature groups of feeder cattle were noted at most auction barns, which made buyers […] Read more

Feeding conditions remain favourable and margins look positive through January, which are expected to provide a healthy environment moving forward. (Beef Information Centre photo)

Klassen: Stronger feeder prices expected

The last week of 2011 was quiet with most auction barns closed for the holiday season. Feeding conditions remain favourable and margins look positive through January, which should provide a healthy environment moving forward. The industry is expecting stronger feeder prices over the next month as fed cattle have a tendency to percolate higher through […] Read more