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Feed markets

U.S. and Canadian beef cow slaughter has been higher than expected throughout the first quarter of 2023, but this is expected to change.
Cattleman’s Corner, Feed markets, Markets

Feeder cattle prices to peak this November

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: The fall of 2023 is not a good time to think about backgrounding calves

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U.S. and Canadian feeder cattle prices have been trending higher over the past year. As of late March, quality genetic steers with medium to lower flesh, averaging 950 pounds were valued at $244 in Central Alberta. Higher quality heifers with lower flesh were trading at an $18-$20 discount to steers. Calf prices were also nearing […] Read more
Understanding feedlot margins
Cattleman’s Corner, Feed markets, Markets

Understanding feedlot margins

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Much depends on having a risk management plan in place

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Feeding cattle is a unique business. Feedlot margins are often in negative territory. When there is a profitable period, it is relatively short lived.  I often receive calls from cow-calf producers and other readers asking about margins for the feedlot operator. How can feedlots continue to operate after a prolonged period of negative margins?  In […] Read more
Beef demand appears to be somewhat softer compared to January.
Cattleman’s Corner, Feed markets, Markets

Cattle market contends with softer demand and rising grain prices

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: As Russia and Ukraine ban grain exports, Canada may become a major supplier in some markets

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Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range $272-$275 during the second week of March, relatively unchanged from 30 days earlier. Live bids were reported at $161 f.o.b. the feedlot in Alberta. The Alberta cash trade continues to trade at a $13-14 discount to the U.S. However, this spread had […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Feed markets, Markets

Feed barley picture will change by fall

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: With high feed prices, western Canadian feedlots will be at a competitive disadvantage to U.S. feedlots until September

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Prairie barley prices reached historical highs earlier in January. Lethbridge-area feedlots were buying feed barley in the range of $445-$455/tonne delivered while Red Deer operations made purchases from $430-$440/tonne. The barley market is functioning to ration demand through higher prices. The domestic feed market needs to trade high enough to halt offshore movement for barley […] Read more
A few more thoughts on the barley market
Cattleman’s Corner, Feed markets, Markets

A few more thoughts on the barley market

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Price good for barley growers, feeders aren't so thrilled

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Over the past month I’ve received many inquiries about the market outlook for feed grains, especially barley. Earlier in winter, I provided an overview of the fundamentals. Canadian barley stocks at the end of the 2020/21 crop year have potential to drop to historical lows due to the increase in export and domestic demand. China […] Read more
Barley prices, and feed grains in general are expected to remain strong or high going into 2021, which can be a good or bad thing depending on which side of the feed bunk you are standing on.
Cattleman’s Corner, Feed markets, Markets

Strong barley prices will continue in 2021

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Weather-related impacts and greater demand are key factors

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I’ve received many inquiries from cattle producers regarding the feed barley outlook for the remainder of the 2020-21 crop year. Barley prices have rallied nearly $80 per metric tonne (mt) from the harvest lows. There is an old saying among commodity traders that markets are understood looking backwards but have to be traded looking forward. […] Read more
Feed markets

Canadian Financial Close: Canadian dollar steady

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By MarketsFarm WINNIPEG, May 22 (MarketsFarm) – The Canadian dollar rallied after previous losses, to close steady on Wednesday. The Canadian dollar closed at US$.7457 or US$1=C$1.3410, up from Tuesday’s close of US$.7455 or US$1=C$1.3413. The S&P/TSX Composite Index lost 99.12 points to close at 16,327.35, falling 0.60 per cent thanks to lagging shares in […] Read more
Feed markets

Durum, red spring wheat heading to prairie feed market

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By Glen Hallick, Commodity News Service Canada WINNIPEG, Nov. 22 (CNS Canada) – Over the last few weeks there has been very little price fluctuation for feed grain prices according to one Alberta-based commodities trader. Jim Beusekom, president of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge, Alta. said corn has been getting C$245 to C$250 per tonne. […] Read more
The feeder cattle market remains firm heading into fall, says Jerry Klassen.
Cattleman’s Corner, Feed markets, Finishers

Cattle producers eyeing feed grain prices

Market Update: Feeding expected to get more expensive — something has to give

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Feedlot operators have had a very strenuous spring and summer. Margins have been hovering in negative territory while feed barley prices have been percolating higher. Feeder cattle prices are actually higher than year-ago levels despite the strong feed grain prices and a year-over-year increase in the U.S. calf crop. The Canadian dollar has been trading […] Read more

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