(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market holding value

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were steady to as much as $4 higher while calf values traded within $5 on either side of unchanged. Current feedlot margins are hovering around break-even, but profitability will improve during October and November, given the recent strength in the deferred live cattle futures. Therefore, short-keep feeders […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market eyes April live cattle futures

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $3 higher. Strength in the deferred live cattle futures, particularly the April contract, spilt over into the cash feeder market. Limited supplies of yearlings also contributed to the firmer tone. Feedlots have been patiently securing heavier replacements, but we’re now on the home […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market waiting for direction

Average western Canadian feeder prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels; however, the yearling market in southern Alberta traded $3-$5 higher as feedlot operators focused on sourcing local cattle. High-quality yearlings are coming on the market and steady demand was evident across the Prairies. Strength in the deferred live cattle futures along with the deterioration […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Alberta feedlots prepared for supply issues

CNS Canada — Many regions of the Prairies expect some feed shortages this year, but Alberta feedlots have plans ready to deal with those issues. Bryan Walton, CEO of the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, said overall conditions appear decent, although producers in drier areas have silaged barley rather than wait for harvest because of lighter […] Read more


(File photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Prairies’ dry weather may stem U.S. cattle stampede north

Winnipeg | Reuters — Parched pastures and crops in Western Canada are driving up cattle-feeding costs, and farmers and analysts expect the changing economics to stem a recent stampede of U.S. cattle being brought over the border. Canada imported 65,035 head of cattle from the U.S. from January through June, nearly double the pace of […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Strong demand drives yearlings higher

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 higher, with quality packages advancing $4-$6. Feedlot operators shrugged off the weaker live cattle futures as feed grain prices came under pressure. Cattle brokers were carrying a full deck of orders, which allowed for limited slippage. Feedlots are anxious to secure ownership early in the […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

U.S. livestock: Cattle and hog futures both mixed ahead of USDA reports

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. live cattle futures were mixed on Friday, with the front-month contract firming slightly while deferreds eased as traders staked out positions ahead of the U.S. government’s closely watched inventory and Cattle on Feed reports. Pre-report positioning also was noted in fed cattle and hog contracts, with both of those markets […] Read more