Photo: File

U.S. livestock: Hog futures rise to highest since late October; cattle firms

Chicago | Reuters – U.S. hog futures rose to their highest in nearly two months on Wednesday, supported by a round of technical buying and tight pork supplies. After the market closed on Tuesday, the U.S. government released a report that showed that domestic frozen pork belly stocks as of Nov. 30 stood at 23.111 […] Read more

Photo: File

U.S. livestock: Cattle futures drop on fund selling

Chicago | Reuters – U.S. cattle futures fell on Tuesday, with traders noting pressure from fund selling. Hog futures were slightly firmer as investors squared positions ahead of a key government supply report. Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) February live cattle futures dropped 1.2 cents to settle at 113.45 cents per pound. The contract found support […] Read more


Photo: File

U.S. livestock: Cattle, hog futures fall as accelerating pandemic stirs demand concern

Chicago | Reuters – U.S. cattle and hog futures fell on Monday as cash beef and pork prices weakened and as accelerating coronavirus infection rates prompted tighter restrictions on restaurants and other food service outlets, threatening meat sales. Meanwhile, renewed tensions between the United States and China, after fresh U.S. sanctions on 14 Chinese officials, […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market grinds lower

'Is there no grain in this country?'

Compared to last week, prices for western Canadian yearlings weighing over 900 lbs. were down $4-$8 on average; yearlings weighing between 800-900 lbs. were down $2-$4; calves under 800 lbs. were down $8-$12, with the exception of Manitoba, where lighter calves traded $3-$5 below week-ago levels. Feedlot operators are asking, is there no grain in […] Read more

CME January 2021 feeder cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder market digests rising COVID-19 cases

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged while calves traded steady to $2 lower on average. The grain harvest is in its final stages and buying interest was noted from the farmer/backgrounding operator. The buying frenzy over yearlings has eased and finishing feedlots were active on all weight categories. Feather-light calves […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Yearling market remains red hot

Barley harvest well underway in southern Alberta

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 higher on average; however, in southern Alberta, yearlings traded $6-$8 above week-ago levels. A few auction barns in Alberta held their first feature sales of the fall run and buyers showed up with both hands. The quality of yearlings coming off grass is excellent and […] Read more