(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Demand for shortkeep feeders drives complex higher

Most auction barns were in holiday mode last week, which made the market hard to define. However, comments from local buyers suggest demand is building for shorter-term replacements due to healthy feedlot margins. Small groups were on offer with limited numbers available, and there was a wide range on similar weight classes across the Prairies. […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market starts new year on firm tone

February live cattle futures reached six-month highs during the last week of 2016, which quickly spilled over into western Canadian feeder cattle markets. While most auction barns were closed for the holiday season, there was some direct off-farm-to-feedlot movement. Limited sales were reported, but values were $2-$6 higher compared to the third week of December. […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Winter conditions weigh on feeder market

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded steady to $3 lower compared to seven days earlier. The market tends to soften during the first major snowstorm each year, but the established risk discount was not as severe as in past years. Notwithstanding the cold temperatures and adverse weather conditions, feedlot operators continued to step forward fairly […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle prices climbing

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were trading $5-$7 above week-ago levels, with higher-quality cattle trading as much as $10 higher. It’s difficult to quarrel with one’s bread and butter; feedlot margins are now in positive territory and cattle feeders are keen on ownership with the positive outlook into the March timeframe. Feature presort calf sales […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle jump on positive outlook

Average prices for steer and heifer calves jumped $8-$10 this past week with some buyers reporting values as much as $15 above week-ago levels. Feedlot operators could feel it in their bones earlier in November and there were no strings attached on orders flowing across the Prairies. Favourable weather reinforced the narrow premium of weaned […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Strong demand underpins feeder market

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $3 above week-ago levels; however, weaned lower-flesh calves were $3 to as much as $6 higher. Southern Alberta calf sales are winding down while other regions are just getting started. This resulted in surreptitious behaviour from Lethbridge-area feedlot operators. Orders stretched across the Prairies, like a slow-moving […] Read more


Photo: Canada Beef Inc.

Klassen: Feeder cattle markets establish fundamental equilibrium

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels as most auction barns held featured or pre-sort calf sales. However, premiums of $3 to as much as $8 were noted on pre-conditioned, quality-weaned replacements. Time in the market is more important than timing the market; longer term risk adverse feeding reinforced the fact […] Read more