Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher on average last week. Volumes are starting to increase at most auction barns now that the yearling run is well underway. Labour Day demand and a weak Canadian dollar caused Alberta fed steers to reach a high of $107/cwt, up $3-$4/cwt. Strength […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle strengthen on larger volume
Klassen: Feeder cattle hold value despite equity market meltdown
Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were $3 per hundredweight lower to $3 higher in comparison to week-ago levels. Early in the week, the downward slide in the equity markets had cattle buyers on the defensive. However, by Friday, Alberta fed cattle prices were $4 to $5 higher in comparison to seven days earlier and […] Read more
Klassen: U.S. economy, stronger feedgrains weigh on feeders
Feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 per hundredweight (cwt) softer last week. Auction rings saw limited number of cattle come through and many buyers were still in holiday mode. In southern Alberta 600- to 700-pound steers averaged $142/cwt while demand was stronger for 700- to 800-pound cattle which averaged $133/cwt. Heavier replacement cattle were […] Read more
Klassen – extensive heat melts feeder cattle market
Sweltering heat has slowed beef consumption on the restaurant and retail level. Top Alberta slaughter prices were reported at $97/cwt, down $7/cwt to $10/cwt from last week with many feedlots holding back on sales. U.S. fed prices were also $3 softer with cattle moving at $108/cwt in Kansas. A healthy group of professionally backgrounded exotic […] Read more
Klassen: Upward momentum lifts feeder cattle
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $2 to $3 higher last week. Most auction markets reported very little volume and many cattle buyers remain on holidays at the Calgary Stampede. In central Alberta, 800- to 900-pound steers averaged $128 with feedlots showing stronger interest for heavier replacements. Alberta packers bought fed cattle at $101 per […] Read more
Klassen: Weak corn equals strong feeder cattle
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 higher in comparison to week-ago levels. Very light auction volumes were reported with many sale barns closed for summer holidays. Feedlot buying interest started to improve late in the week but with limited supplies available, there wasn’t a significant test of the market. Feedlot operators continue […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle futures test contract highs
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 higher last week while U.S. prices jumped $4 to $8. Auction market volumes were extremely light while most cattle buyers started their holiday season. It’s that time of year when quality feeder cattle are hard to find and feedlot owners have other issues to contend with. […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices bounce off lows
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices appear to be stabilizing with values steady to $3 higher on average last week. A larger group of feeder heifers averaging 880 pounds sold for $104 per hundredweight (cwt) in central Alberta; 640-lb. steers sold for $149/cwt delivered to Feedlot Alley in southern Alberta. Strength in the feeder market was […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle continue lower trend
Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were steady to $2 lower last week on light volumes and limited buying interest. Feedlot demand remains sluggish as feedyard managers struggle with inefficient weight gains, higher death loss and adverse pen conditions. The market is experiencing sharp discrepancies across Western Canada with similar cattle varying by $5-$8 per […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices drop $2-$4 per cwt
Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were $2 to $4 lower with heavier replacement cattle bearing the brunt of the decline. Alberta fed steers dipped to $97 on Friday, down nearly $3/cwt from a week earlier, which kept tempered buying enthusiasm. Adverse pen conditions have resulted in lower rates of gain and with the weak […] Read more