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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.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

Positive fundamentals driving cattle prices higher

Increased beef production in Canada will pay off in 2022

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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.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

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

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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
While the U.S. beef cattle industry is still in retraction, the potential for increasing demand for beef is a sign for Canadian producers to keep producing.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Should you expand the cow herd?

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Canadian producers in a good position to sell more beef into a rising market

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I’ve received many inquiries from cow-calf producers regarding the outlook for the cattle herd over the next couple of years. Those of you who have read my articles in the past know that I advise Canadian cow-calf producers to expand when the U.S. cattle herd is contracting, and vice versa. It was one year ago […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder cattle markets experience volatility

Beef prices encourage slaughter pace

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Compared to the previous week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of week-ago levels. Prices were quite variable across the Prairies with four main factors influencing buyer sentiment. First, the eastern Prairie regions experienced adverse winter weather. Auction barns in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan had smaller volumes on offer. Buyers shied […] Read more
The backlog of market-ready cattle should be cleaned up by late April.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

Consumer beef demand will increase by late fall

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Overall market fundamentals appear to be improving

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In mid-March, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $148 to $149 FOB the feedlot, which was down $2 to $3 from the February average. The fed cattle market appears to be in a transition stage. Fed cattle and beef supplies will tighten in the last half of the year. Beef demand […] Read more
COVID funds fuel consumer spending
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

COVID funds fuel consumer spending

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: The only recession with an increase in disposable income

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During mid-February, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in the range of $150 to $150.50 FOB the feedlot; delivered prices on a dressed basis were quoted in the range of $254 to $255. The fed cattle market has been percolating higher over the past month. Beef production has exceeded earlier expectations […] Read more
The number of cattle processed at Canadian and U.S. packing plants exceeded expectations from July through December 2020.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

COVID impact may be easing by early summer

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Life may not be quite back to normal, but beef markets might be

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The beef and cattle markets continue to recover from the effects of the COVID pandemic. During the first quarter of 2020, beef demand was adjusting to higher unemployment levels as coronavirus spread throughout the U.S. and Canada. The problem was exacerbated when outbreaks of the virus among workers forced processing plants in Canada and the […] Read more
Cow-calfers and backgrounders should hold off
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Markets

Cow-calfers and backgrounders should hold off

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Keep lighter calves from the 2020 crop for as long as you can

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Feed grain prices have been the largest factor influencing yearling and calf prices over the past couple of months. As of mid-January, feed barley was trading in the range of $275/mt to $285/mt delivered in the Lethbridge area while feedlots in the Red Deer region were making purchases from $265/mt to $272/mt delivered. Barley prices […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market bounces on optimistic outlook

Feed barley remains near historical highs

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices traded $2-$4 higher; prices for mid-weight calves were quoted $4-$8 above week-ago levels. Calves under 550 lbs. traded $6 to as much as $10 higher compared to seven days earlier. Improving feedlot margins were the main factor driving the feeder market. June and August live cattle futures […] Read more

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