(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market stable but demand remains soft

Comments from the country this week suggested the market was slightly firmer than week-ago levels. However, market reports stated prices were relatively unchanged and actually softened late in the week. The old saying that even a priest lies about his car’s gas mileage applies to overly optimistic cattlemen trying to bolster market enthusiasm. Feedlot margins […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market well supported

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were generally steady with week-ago levels as volumes continue to decline into the summer months. The quality of cattle coming on the market this time of year is quite variable. Background operations are liquidating their final volumes and feeders over 800 lbs. set the market structure. Larger-frame mixed steers averaging […] Read more








(Canada Beef Inc. photo)

U.S. livestock: Brisk beef demand pushes CME live cattle higher

Chicago | Reuters –– Most Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle contracts rose on Wednesday, driven by upward-trending wholesale beef values that may underpin prices for market-ready, or cash, cattle by Friday, traders said. Thinly-traded spot February, which will expire on Feb. 29, closed down 0.025 cent/lb. to 136.975 cents (all figures US$). April ended 0.65 […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market experiences defensive tone

Feedlot operators continue to pull in the reins on replacement cattle purchases because another month-end budget for the bank does not look healthy. Alberta sales barns experienced a soft tone, with sales $4 to $6 below week-ago while eastern Prairie regions received spillover support from U.S. markets. Manitoba markets were notably $3 to $8 higher […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeders still vulnerable in financial market turbulence

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices experienced a defensive tone over the past week. Cattleman had their eyes glued to the equity market meltdown, which enhanced fears the fed cattle market would follow suit. Live cattle futures were on a roller coaster, and a late-week bounce in the Canadian dollar added to market uncertainty. Buyers were […] Read more

Cattle drink from the Yamuna River near Agra in northern India. (CIA.gov)

Villagers in India kill Muslim accused of smuggling cows

Dharamsala, India | Reuters –– Villagers in northern India have killed a Muslim man for allegedly smuggling cattle, police said Saturday, in violence critics say is fuelled by the Hindu nationalist government seeking a nationwide ban of cow slaughter and beef trade. India is the world’s largest exporter of beef and its fifth biggest consumer, […] Read more