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


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Optimistic fed cattle outlook supports feeder market

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

Feed grain prices expected to remain high

Feed grain prices expected to remain high

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: More likely to find better calf market closer to year-end

There are always a lot of factors affecting the North American beef market, but this month’s take-home message is to look for the fed cattle market in Alberta to reach seasonal highs during November. We could see Alberta fed cattle prices reach up to $165 delivered. Yearling prices are expected to increase $5 to $8 […] Read more


Photo: Canada Beef Inc.

Klassen: Yearlings hold value while calves remain under pressure

Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged while calves were once again $2 to $4 lower. Featherlight bawlers were down $4 to as much as $8 from week-ago levels. The tight feed grain supply situation continues to set the price structure for feeder cattle. Yearlings straight off grass held a slight […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Stronger fed cattle prices support feeder market

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: It’s good to see a return to renewed optimism in the cattle complex

During the week ending May 8, Alberta fed cattle prices were quoted in the range of $158 to $162, up $8 to $10 from 30 days earlier. Wholesale beef prices continue to percolate higher as the U.S. economy moves through a major expansionary phase. Rising consumer incomes and stronger consumer spending will result in a […] Read more


Cow-calfers and backgrounders should hold off

Cow-calfers and backgrounders should hold off

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Keep lighter calves from the 2020 crop for as long as you can

Feed grain prices have been the largest factor influencing yearling and calf prices over the past couple of months. As of mid-January, feed barley was trading in the range of $275/mt to $285/mt delivered in the Lethbridge area while feedlots in the Red Deer region were making purchases from $265/mt to $272/mt delivered. Barley prices […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market bounces on optimistic outlook

Feed barley remains near historical highs

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices traded $2-$4 higher; prices for mid-weight calves were quoted $4-$8 above week-ago levels. Calves under 550 lbs. traded $6 to as much as $10 higher compared to seven days earlier. Improving feedlot margins were the main factor driving the feeder market. June and August live cattle futures […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle prices digesting uncertainty

Defensive tone likely through January

The feeder cattle market was very quiet during the last week of December with auction barns in holiday mode. There were discussions regarding direct sales but no actual business was confirmed. The stakes are too high given the market uncertainty; a defensive tone will likely continue throughout January. Feed grains continue to percolate higher; the […] Read more