The largest factor influencing beef demand is consumer spending.

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

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

Cattle prices encouraging herd expansion

Cattle prices encouraging herd expansion

Market Update: Consumer spending on beef has been strong, but will it continue?

During the third week of June, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at $415/cwt delivered. Prices f.o.b the feedlot in southern Alberta were averaging $246/cwt. The U.S cattle herd has been contracting for the past four years. Cattle prices are now functioning to encourage expansion. Wholesale beef prices are also trading […] Read more


The western Canadian feeder market has been trading near historical highs.

Beef demand makes seasonal highs

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Consumer spending may decline if interest rates continue to increase

During the week ending March 18, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis at an average price of $205/cwt delivered, up $9/cwt from mid-February. In the U.S., live cattle were trading in the range of US$164-US$165/cwt, up US$4/cwt from 30 days earlier. Beef demand typically makes a seasonal high in the latter […] Read more

Beef supplies will tighten by mid-2023 

Beef supplies will tighten by mid-2023 

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Feeder cattle market will function to encourage expansion

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices trended lower throughout the fall. During late August and the first half of September, higher-quality yearlings in Manitoba weighing 850 pounds were trading in the range of $255-$260/cwt. In early December, replacement cattle of similar quality in the same region were quoted at $240. Calves had a similar trend, dropping […] Read more


Western Canadian yearling prices have strengthened over the past month.

Feeder cattle numbers decline

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Beef demand remains strong

During the last week of August, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in the range of $180-$181/cwt delivered, up $7-$8/cwt from 30 days earlier. U.S. and Canadian beef production has been running above a year ago, and beef demand has exceeded earlier projections. Inflation pressures on both sides of the border […] Read more

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Quebec group seeks to sue beef packers over pricing

Group's class-action application alleges price-fixing dating back to 2015

A Quebec consumer protection group intends to launch a class action lawsuit against four major beef processors in Canada and the U.S., alleging a “meat pricing conspiracy.” “At a time of high inflation, it is unacceptable to make the price of beef even more expensive than it already is,” Sylvie De Bellefeuille, a lawyer for […] Read more


Cow-calf producers don’t have to be just price takers. They can tap into marketing options that provide improved rates of return.

Who makes money in the beef industry?

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: The cow-calf producer does have options for increasing returns

Over the past year, I’ve received many inquiries from cow-calf producers regarding the margin structure for packing plants. Wholesale beef prices have been trading near historical highs, but this hasn’t translated into significantly higher feeder cattle prices. Cow-calf producers often believe they are at the bottom of the ladder when it comes to profitability throughout […] Read more

Feeder cattle market poised to rally in 2022

Feeder cattle market poised to rally in 2022

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Higher barley production forecast, with feed grain prices expected to fall

Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in the range of $163-$165 during the second week of December. This is up $9-$11 from 30 days earlier. Canadian prices have been pulled higher by strength in the U.S. fed market. Fed cattle prices in Texas and Kansas were actively trading in the range […] Read more


With beef demand increasing and the U.S. beef herd declining, Jerry Klassen figures it should bode well for Canadian beef producers over the coming year. Photo is of mob grazing cattle near Manning, AB.

Positive fundamentals driving cattle prices higher

Increased beef production in Canada will pay off in 2022

Alberta fed cattle prices were quoted at $164-$165 f.o.b. the feedlot during the third week of June, up from the range $158-$162 during the second week of May. The market has been quite firm due to tighter supplies of market-ready cattle on both sides of the border. At the same time, the reopening of economies […] Read more

Beef demand is up, but high feed grain prices cut into feeder margins.

Consumer demand supports fed and feeder cattle markets

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: A one per cent increase in consumer spending equates to a one per cent increase in beef demand

Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $152 to $153 FOB feedlot during the third week of April. Fed cattle prices were up $3 to $4 from 30 days earlier. The market appears to be factoring in tighter supplies in the latter half of the year, along with growing demand. October and […] Read more