Three main factors will weigh on calf prices this fall.

Beef demand heads into the slow months

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Be prepared, as the high yearling market only has one way to go

Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $140 to $143 during the first half of September. The market has come under pressure due to the year over year increase in market-ready feed supplies. In addition to the higher beef production, beef demand is moving through a seasonal low. During September and October […] Read more


(Dave Bedard photo)

Cargill’s quarterly profit up on beef, egg demand

Chicago | Reuters — Global commodities trader Cargill reported a three per cent increase in adjusted quarterly profit on Thursday, citing strong consumer demand for meat and eggs in North America and growth in its animal nutrition businesses. Cargill, the largest privately held U.S. company, said its adjusted operating earnings rose to $908 million in […] Read more






U.S. President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Sept. 25, 2019. (Photo: Reuters/Jonathan Ernst)

U.S., Japan sign limited trade deal

New York | Reuters — U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed a limited trade deal on Wednesday that cuts tariffs on U.S. farm goods, Japanese machine tools and other products while further staving off the threat of higher U.S. car duties. Trump said the deal would open up Japanese markets […] Read more

CME December 2019 live cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: Cattle hit multi-week highs on flat to higher cash trade expectations

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. live cattle futures touched six-week highs and feeder cattle exceeded seven-week highs on Tuesday as traders projected cash prices will remain steady or rise, after strengthening last week. Feeder cattle are trading above where they were before a fire at a Tyson Foods slaughterhouse last month removed a key buyer […] Read more


CME October 2019 feeder cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market remains volatile

Western Canadian yearling markets appeared to stabilize after coming under pressure earlier in the month. Compared to last week, yearling prices were unchanged to $4 higher on average while calf markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Major feedlots were more aggressive for 800-plus-lb. cattle as feed grain prices continue to grind lower. Favourable […] Read more