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Tag Archives cattle markets

Absent a significant rally in Chicago June and August live cattle, the market for backgrounded cattle is not sustainable moving forward.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Columns, Markets

Fed cattle market softens

The longer-term outlook remains bright, despite lots of cattle on feed

By
During the first week of January, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $363-$365 per hundredweight delivered. This was down marginally from the price range of $368-$370/cwt. during the week of December. In Kansas and Texas, live prices were US$171/cwt., down US$4/cwt. from 30 days earlier. U.S. packers […] Read more
lean beef in retail meat case
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Beef demand outlook brightens

U.S. consumer spending — the main driver of beef demand — is improving

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U.S. and Canadian inflation reached 40-year highs in June of 2022. Interest rates reached 22-year highs in the summer of 2023. For the past two years, most financial analysts were forecasting a U.S. and Canadian recession at some point in the future. When the recessions didn’t occur, they delayed the recession forecast by three to […] Read more
Canada’s calf crop doesn’t move through expansion and contraction as it does in the U.S., but over the next year, we may see the Canadian herd mirror U.S. expansion.
Cattleman’s Corner, Columns, Markets

Is it time for beef cow herd expansion?

Prices for calves have been strong, but it usually takes a year of high calf prices before expansion starts

By
Feeder cattle have been trading near historical highs over the past six months. I’ve received many emails and inquiries from cattle producers asking if there is still an opportunity to expand their herds. Producers also ask if they should buy now or wait until spring. Medium-quality bred cows have been trading in the range of […] Read more
Cattle use round bales as a wind break. (NDSU photo)
Beef Cattle, Markets

Klassen: Yearling return to the lineup on strong demand

Frigid temperatures result in limited volumes

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The market hasn’t missed a beat and started the year where it left in December. The only difference is there are larger supplies of yearlings coming on stream. The benchmark levels had backgrounded steers averaging 1,000 pounds trading from $280-$285/cwt with top bids rounding at $290/cwt. Steers averaging 850-pounds were averaging $300/cwt with top-notch larger groups peaking at $305.
With the calf market becoming more defined as the fall run moves into high gear, mixed steers averaging 500 pounds are readily trading in the range of $415-$425/cwt across the prairies.
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

There’s a hint of U.S. beef herd expansion

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Short supplies and consumer demand keep cattle prices near historical highs

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As of late September, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at an average price of $390/cwt delivered. Live prices f.o.b. southern Alberta feedlot were quoted in the range of $230-$232/cwt. Fed cattle prices were relatively unchanged from 30 days earlier. Market-ready supplies are down from a year ago on both sides […] Read more
(Geralyn Wichers photo)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market consolidates at historical highs

Higher borrowing costs offset lower feed prices

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For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian yearling steer prices were quoted $2-$4 higher; yearling heifers traded $2 higher to $5 lower. Calves were relatively unchanged although volumes were limited. Larger groups of quality genetics were well bid while second tier cattle were marginally discounted off the highs. Some ranches are liquidating yearlings about one […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder cattle supplies remain snug

Feedlots expect significantly cheaper barley come harvest

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Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Premium low-flesh yearlings were one off bids $15-$20 above average. Cattle buyers commented that there were larger volumes of fleshier yearlings. Cattle with heavier butter levels were discounted from our listed values by $5 to as much as $10. […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Positive feeding margins lift feeder complex

Futures continue percolating higher

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $5/cwt higher. Feeders in the 650- to 800-lb. category appeared to jump $4/cwt to as much as $8/cwt in some cases. Calves under 650 lbs. were up $5-$10/cwt. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in southern Alberta on a live basis at $222/cwt f.o.b. the […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Barley, Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market factors in lower barley prices

Strength in deferred live cattle futures also supportive

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings over 800 lbs. jumped $4 to as much as $10 in some cases. Steers in the 700- to 800-lb. category appeared to be up $10-$12 while similar-weight heifers were up $8-$10. Calves under 700 lbs. were up $10-$20. The feeder market was hard to define in some cases. […] Read more
The western Canadian feeder market has been trading near historical highs.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Beef demand makes seasonal highs

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

By
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

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