Photo: Canada Beef

Klassen: Positive feeding margins lift feeder complex

Futures continue percolating higher

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.)

Klassen: Feeder market factors in lower barley prices

Strength in deferred live cattle futures also supportive

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


U.S. continues with lower beef production

U.S. continues with lower beef production

Market Update: Feeder market is sending signals to increase heifer retention and herd expansion

During the second week of January, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at an average price of $312/cwt delivered, up $8-$10/cwt from mid-December. The backlog of market-ready supplies is slowly being alleviated, which has caused the fed cattle basis to strengthen.  Western Canadian carcass weights are now below year-ago levels. Wholesale […] Read more

File photo of cattle on feed near Champion, Alta., about 75 km north of Lethbridge. (James_Gabbert/iStock/Getty Images)

Klassen: Uncertain fed cattle market weighs on feeder cattle

U.S. feeder demand seen relatively sluggish

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings (900 lbs. and over) appeared to trade $6-$8 lower on average; yearlings weighing 800-900 lbs. off grass were unchanged. Backgrounded yearlings were also $6-$8 lower. Mid-weight calves were unchanged but calves under 600 lbs. were $3 to as much as $10 lower in some cases. Feedlot operators pulled […] Read more


The cattle market will move through a transition phase in the fourth quarter of 2022.

U.S. cattle herd continues to contract

Market Update: Lower feed grain prices this fall will improve feeder margins

During the first half of August, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in the range of $173-$176 FOB the feedlot in southern Alberta. Fed cattle prices have been relatively flat over the past month as the U.S. market contends with a sizeable year-over-year increase in fed cattle supplies. Alberta basis levels […] Read more

Lower beef production means higher prices

Lower beef production means higher prices

As the U.S. herd contracts, this is the year for Canadian producers to increase numbers

During the latter half of June, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $170-$173 f.o.b. the feedlot in southern Alberta. The market was up $2 to $3 from 30 days earlier. Prices were marking fresh 52-week highs as feedlots in Western Canada contend with a backlog of market-ready supplies. The fed cattle […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feedlots value feeders on finished cattle price projections

Compared to the week ending March 2, western Canadian yearling prices were $3-$5 lower on average. Mid-weight replacements in the range of 650-800 lbs. were down $8-$12. Steer calves under 650 lbs. traded steady to $5 lower. Heifer calves under 650 lbs. were also down $8-$12. The market was hard to define for heifer calves […] Read more



U.S. beef herd contraction confirmed

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Now is a good time for western ranchers to be buying bred cows and cow-calf pairs

During the first week of February, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $260-$270 delivered. Live prices were quoted from $160-$162 FOB the feedlot. Western Canada is contending with a backlog of market-ready supplies due to the sharp year-over-year increase in feedlot placements in the latter half of […] Read more

Feedlot placements were up in mid 2021 meaning more cattle will be going to market in the fourth quarter of this year. Cow-calf producers are urged to hold onto their calves until at least December and even early 2022.

Try to hold calves until early 2022

Market Update: After burdensome supplies to end this year, demand and prices expected to rebound

Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $157-$158 during the latter half of September; this is up $3 to $4 from late-August values of $153 to $154. The fed cattle market is in a precarious situation. Beef demand tends to improve in the fourth quarter, however, fed cattle supplies from October through […] Read more