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Tag Archives cattle markets

Cow-calf producers don’t have to be just price takers. They can tap into marketing options that provide improved rates of return.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

Who makes money in the beef industry?

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: The cow-calf producer does have options for increasing returns

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Over the past year, I’ve received many inquiries from cow-calf producers regarding the margin structure for packing plants. Wholesale beef prices have been trading near historical highs, but this hasn’t translated into significantly higher feeder cattle prices. Cow-calf producers often believe they are at the bottom of the ladder when it comes to profitability throughout […] Read more
The feeder market is expected to move from extreme lows in the first quarter of 2022 to extreme highs by October of 2022.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

More Prairie cattle finished sooner this year

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Prices may be down in early 2022 but way up by next fall

By
As of mid-November, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $260-$263 delivered on a dressed basis. Prices FOB the feedlot in southern Alberta were quoted at $154 on a live basis. Prices are marginally lower than the October average because market-ready supplies in Alberta and Saskatchewan are sharply higher than a year […] Read more
The U.S. calf crop has been shrinking since 2018.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

It’s a bullish market for feeder cattle

Market Update: This is a good time to buy bred heifers or cow-calf pairs

By
I’ve received many inquiries from cow-calf producers and backgrounding operators regarding the price outlook for feeder cattle. As of early September, tan steers coming straight off grass averaging 920 pounds were quoted at $199 in southern Alberta; Angus-based heifers weighing 850 pounds were valued at $187. Yearling prices have been hovering at 52-week highs over the […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Optimistic fed cattle outlook supports feeder market

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Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$4 higher. Strong demand was noted on yearlings, which spilt over into the lighter weight categories. Major feedlot operators in Alberta set the price structure, with aggressive orders flowing across the Prairies. Some operators have been holding back on purchases due to higher prices; however, […] Read more
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

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