For the week ending June 13, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Steady demand underpinned a week of lower auction market volumes.
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Klassen: Feeder market follows wholesale beef higher
Klassen: Stronger fed cattle markets lifts feeder complex
For the week ending June 7, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $15/cwt higher in some cases. Larger packages of quality replacements over 900 pounds were up $10-$15/cwt from prices seven days earlier.
Prairie forecast: Mostly warm and dry weather expected
Forecast issued May 28, covering May 28 to June 4, 2025
We start off with high pressure dominating most of the Prairies. A large surface high is sitting over the north-central U.S. This is beginning to tap into more heat and moisture, which will allow for warmer daytime highs and nighttime lows as dewpoints creep up.
Klassen: Lower beef production forecasts support feeder complex
Improving feedlot margins contributed to the stronger feeder market. Alberta packers were buying finished cattle on a dressed basis at $500/cwt delivered which was fresh record high. Using a 60 per cent grading, this equates to a live price of $300/cwt. Feedlot breakeven pen closeouts are in the range of $260-$270/cwt. Feedlots are anxious to reload and larger groups of quality packages are limited at this time of year.
Klassen: Buying interest for feeder cattle subsides
For the week ending May 16, Western Canadian feeder markets were steady to $6 higher on average compared to seven days earlier. Heifers were relatively unchanged but steers were notably stronger, especially on replacements over 800 pounds.
Klassen: Feedlot operators become cautious on purchases
For the week ending May 10, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $5 higher on average. Quality packages of lighter calves were priced $10-$15 above week ago levels. Many auction barns are only holding sales every two or three weeks at this time of year with limited numbers on offer. This made the market hard to define in certain weight categories.
Klassen: Feeder market consolidates as supplies decrease
For the week ending May 2, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. The heifer discount to steers continues to narrow. Steady buying interest from Ontario was noted in Manitoba and certain locations in Saskatchewan.
Klassen: Higher packer bids enhance feeder complex
For the week ending April 26, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3 to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier.
Klassen: Fall fed cattle supply concerns strengthen feeder complex
For the week ending April 19, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2 to $3 above week-ago levels. Many auction barns did not have sales due to Good Friday but sale volumes were also smaller at active locations.
Calves recover quicker with pain control at castration
Animal Health: A recent survey showed 85 per cent of cattle farmers were castrating calves at less than three months
You probably won’t make money by using pain control, but your calves will feel better, pair up faster and you’ll be doing something that promotes animal welfare in your industry, veteriarian and researcher John Campbell says.
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