Barley south of Ethelton, Sask. on Aug. 3, 2017. (Dave Bedard photo)

Klassen: Weaker barley prices enhance yearling prices

Compared to last week, yearlings traded $3 to as much as $8 higher, with strong buying interest noted from Lethbridge-area feedlots. Supplies of quality feeders are rather snug at this time of year and buyers were extremely aggressive on local packages. Prices in the non-major feeding areas appeared to lag southern Alberta markets but orders […] Read more






Cattle market absorbing larger supplies

Cattle market absorbing larger supplies

Market Update: Beef consumption increasing after early-spring snowstorms

Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $263 to $265 per hundredweight on a dressed basis in late April while live sales were reported from $157 to $169. The market appears to have stabilized after a softer tone earlier in spring. Analysts are expecting second-quarter beef production to come in sharply higher […] Read more




Cattle producers and feeders in some areas of southern Alberta have been dealing with overland flooding, such as shown here Saturday over Highway 36 south of Vauxhall, and otherwise mushy conditions. (Photo courtesy Taber RCMP)

Klassen: Feeder market stabilizes

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged. Stronger export demand appears to be supporting the market in Manitoba and certain pockets in Saskatchewan; however, Alberta feedlot interest remains subdued. Adverse weather continues to plague southern Alberta. Snow and freezing temperatures followed by brief melting periods have resulted in very poor […] Read more



Tighter feeder cattle availability ahead

Tighter feeder cattle availability ahead

Market Update: Drought in southern Plains has moved more cattle to feedlots

In mid-February, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $273 to $275 on a dressed basis while live prices were quoted from $163 to $165. Fed cattle prices have been relatively flat so far this year. However, feeder cattle prices dropped sharply in January and failed to recover. This is largely due […] Read more