(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.)

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle end higher after rocky session

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures gained moderately on Monday, following an up-and-down session that was ultimately supported by last week’s cash price strength, traders said. February live cattle closed up 0.375 cent/lb., to 135.675 cents, and April ended 0.425 cent higher at 134.425 (all figures US$). “It is a tough […] Read more



(USDA.gov via Flickr)

U.S. cattle herd growth to five-year high spells cheaper beef ahead

Chicago | Reuters — Beef prices will keep trending lower, analysts said after the government’s semi-annual cattle inventory report on Friday showed the U.S. cattle herd as of Jan. 1 grew three per cent from a year ago, to a five-year high. Healthy pastures, more-affordable grain and record-high cattle prices a year ago encouraged ranchers […] Read more