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Tag Archives cattle prices

The U.S. calf crop for 2023 came in at 33.593 million head, down 846,500 from the 2022 calf crop of 34.44 million.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Columns, Markets

Lower U.S. calf crop supports cattle complex

Conditions are developing that should support record calf prices next fall

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The Alberta fed cattle market remains under pressure due to a buildup of market-ready cattle, larger carcass weights and seasonally low demand. During the last week of January, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $360-$365 per hundredweight delivered. Live bids f.o.b. feedlot in southern Alberta were quoted […] Read more
When commercial and managed-money positions are at an extreme low or high, that represents a turning signal for the market.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Columns, Markets

Understanding the Commitments of Traders report

The U.S. report, released every Friday, is an important indicator of cattle market movement

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Who is long? Who is short? How much of each? This is the most important market information when studying the futures markets. The Commitments of Traders (CoT) report is released every Friday afternoon by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and shows the trading positions of market participants as of Tuesday’s close. Whether you […] Read more
It’s important that feedlot operators and cow-calf producers are aware of the supply and demand balance for fed cattle.
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Lessons from last September’s cattle market drop

A small change in cattle numbers can result in a large drop in market value

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CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) December 2023 live cattle futures made a high of US$199.75 per hundredweight on Sept. 15. The market held at the higher levels until the end of September and then started to trend low, bottoming around $166 on Dec. 7 (all figures US$). There were a few signals stating that the market […] 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

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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
As consumers run short of disposable income in 2024, it is expected there will be a reduced demand for beef.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

USDA increases beef production forecasts

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: All factors suggest the winds of market change are beginning to blow

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Alberta fed cattle prices during November were averaging $385/cwt on a dressed basis, down $5/cwt from 30 days earlier. Live prices f.o.b. feedlot in southern Alberta were quoted in the range of $228/cwt to $230/cwt, the lowest since May. The market has come under pressure as U.S. beef forecasts for the first half of 2024 […] Read more
The largest factor influencing beef demand is consumer spending.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Consumer spending calls the shots on cattle prices

Market Update: History shows U.S. cow-calf producers need one year of historical high prices to trigger large-scale herd expansion

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U.S. and Canadian cattle prices have been trading near historical highs over the past couple of months. Feedlot margins have been hovering in positive territory throughout the summer. Demand for yearlings and calves has been unprecedented as finishing operators reload for another round of feeding. After consecutive years of financial struggles and drought, cattle producers […] Read more
Retail beef prices continue to hold value near historical highs while restaurant spending has exceeded expectations.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

U.S. cattle herd continues to contract

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Expect one more year of high calf prices before expansion begins

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Alberta fed cattle prices softened in July due to an increase in market-ready supplies and weaker wholesale beef prices. During the first week of August, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in southern Alberta at $235/cwt fob the feedlot. This is down from the mid-June record high of $246/cwt. At the same time, wholesale choice […] Read more
Cattle prices encouraging herd expansion
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Cattle prices encouraging herd expansion

Market Update: Consumer spending on beef has been strong, but will it continue?

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During the third week of June, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at $415/cwt delivered. Prices f.o.b the feedlot in southern Alberta were averaging $246/cwt. The U.S cattle herd has been contracting for the past four years. Cattle prices are now functioning to encourage expansion. Wholesale beef prices are also trading […] 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
Grocery store spending is up from last year but the rally in retail beef prices has come to a halt.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Fed cattle market sets new record high

Market Update: Good moisture should get pastures growing this spring, while calf prices are expected to trend higher until fall

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During the third week of April, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in the range of $222-$225/cwt delivered, which was a record high. Tighter market-ready supplies on both sides of the border along with a sharp year-over-year increase in demand have resulted a higher price structure. During March, U.S. restaurant sales […] Read more

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