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Beef Cattle

It is important to crunch the numbers to determine if backgrounding pays. This may not be the year.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Columns

Economics of backgrounding didn’t pencil out

With high feed costs, this example of adding 300 pounds over winter was a losing proposition

By
Years ago, I took one of my first beef marketing courses from a professor who wore a clean white lab coat to class. There was nothing wrong with that, but his previous class was a red meat-cutting class. One of the first thing he taught us is how to determine background-feeding profit. If its expenses […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Lower beef production forecasts support feeder complex

Major feedlots seen aggressive on quality calves

By ,
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged. Calf markets were steady to $5 higher on average, with stronger buying interest on preconditioned weaned steer calves. Light calves weighing under 500 lbs. appeared to jump $10-$20 in certain regions. This past week, focus of finishing feedlots switched from […] Read more
The largest factor influencing beef demand is consumer spending.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Consumer spending calls the shots on cattle prices

Market Update: History shows U.S. cow-calf producers need one year of historical high prices to trigger large-scale herd expansion

By
U.S. and Canadian cattle prices have been trading near historical highs over the past couple of months. Feedlot margins have been hovering in positive territory throughout the summer. Demand for yearlings and calves has been unprecedented as finishing operators reload for another round of feeding. After consecutive years of financial struggles and drought, cattle producers […] Read more
CME April 2024 live cattle with 20- and 50-day moving averages. (Barchart)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Stronger live cattle futures enhance feeder demand

Feeder cattle supplies look to be lower than anticipated

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Compared to last week, western Canadian grass yearling prices were unchanged to $3/cwt lower on average. Steers held value but heifers had a softer tone. Calf prices were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. However, weaker barley prices and stronger deferred live cattle prices limited any slippage. The calf market continues to be in price […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market continues to consolidate

U.S. feeder cattle supplies seen tighter than expected

By ,
Compared to last week, western Canadian grass yearling prices were relatively unchanged. Yearlings over 800 lbs. on light grain rations or on diets mixed with silage were priced at $5 to as much as $20 discount to those cattle coming straight off pasture. Larger groups of uniform quality continue to trade at a minor premium […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market shrugs off lower barley production

Barley exports, domestic demand expected to be reduced

By ,
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3/cwt on either side of unchanged. Prices for calves were also unchanged from average values seven days earlier. Calf markets are becoming more defined as volumes increase. There also appeared to be larger volume of high-quality yearlings available, which was a surprise. The drought hasn’t significantly […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Calf numbers down in Western Canada

StatCan figures a surprise to the trade

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets were relatively unchanged. Yearlings straight off grass were very well bid and prices held value. Yearlings over 800 lbs. on light grain ration were quoted $15-$20 discount to those cattle coming straight off pasture. We’re seeing heavier calves around 800 lbs. trade at $330-$340. Increased calf numbers […] Read more
Retail beef prices continue to hold value near historical highs while restaurant spending has exceeded expectations.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

U.S. cattle herd continues to contract

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Expect one more year of high calf prices before expansion begins

By
Alberta fed cattle prices softened in July due to an increase in market-ready supplies and weaker wholesale beef prices. During the first week of August, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in southern Alberta at $235/cwt fob the feedlot. This is down from the mid-June record high of $246/cwt. At the same time, wholesale choice […] Read more
(Geralyn Wichers photo)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feedlots aggressively secure ownership

StatCan cattle inventory report due out soon

By ,
Compared to last week, yearlings straight off grass sold $3-$5 higher on average. In certain cases, larger groups of higher quality genetics traded $8-$12 above week-ago levels. Auction markets had larger volumes this past week and there was strong demand across all weight categories. It’s that time of year when major operations are stepping forward […] Read more
It is important to keep a close eye on both bulls and cows, particularly during the breeding season to ensure that lameness isn't affecting breeding performance.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Keep foot rot locked out of the breeding season

Manage high-risk conditions and be prepared to treat as needed

By
Most cow herds have been grazing green pastures for the last few months. Many are still in the midst of the breeding season, and I believe just by sheer probability that most producers have already successfully treated one or two cases of foot rot. To me, that’s a good thing, because lame cows and bulls […] Read more

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AgCanadaTV: In case you missed it; your national ag news recap for March 20, 2026

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