Prices for beef cattle continue to be strong across the beef value chain, although feedlot profitability could be challenging by the end of 2025, analyst Jerry Klassen says.
Tag Archives Jerry Klassen
Beef demand drives cattle and beef markets higher
The Markets: Feedlot profitability could be challenging by the end of the year
Klassen: Feeder market may have overextended to the upside
For the week ending July 4, there were no feeder cattle sales in Western Canada due to holidays on July 1 and July 4. Major auction markets in the U.S. were also closed or had limited numbers on offer. Prices quoted from south of the border were steady to $4 higher on average but the market was hard to define.
Klassen: Feeder market eyes deferred delivery prices
For the week ending June 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Volumes moving through the ring were limited and the quality was quite variable.
Klassen: Feeder market rally stalls on softer fed cattle market
For the week ending June 21, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were unchanged to $10 lower on average compared to seven days earlier. However, prices for August and September delivery were unchanged from the previous week.
Klassen: Feeder market follows wholesale beef higher
For the week ending June 13, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Steady demand underpinned a week of lower auction market volumes.
Klassen: Stronger fed cattle markets lifts feeder complex
For the week ending June 7, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $15/cwt higher in some cases. Larger packages of quality replacements over 900 pounds were up $10-$15/cwt from prices seven days earlier.
Beef cattle prices start to reduce demand
The Markets: Watch U.S. consumer buying trends for signs of the cattle market’s future
U.S. consumer purchasing has slowed, which means slower movement of cattle to beef processors. This will likely mean declining prices, says Jerry Klassen, market analyst.
Prairie forecast: Mostly warm and dry weather expected
Forecast issued May 28, covering May 28 to June 4, 2025
We start off with high pressure dominating most of the Prairies. A large surface high is sitting over the north-central U.S. This is beginning to tap into more heat and moisture, which will allow for warmer daytime highs and nighttime lows as dewpoints creep up.
Klassen: Lower beef production forecasts support feeder complex
Improving feedlot margins contributed to the stronger feeder market. Alberta packers were buying finished cattle on a dressed basis at $500/cwt delivered which was fresh record high. Using a 60 per cent grading, this equates to a live price of $300/cwt. Feedlot breakeven pen closeouts are in the range of $260-$270/cwt. Feedlots are anxious to reload and larger groups of quality packages are limited at this time of year.
Klassen: Buying interest for feeder cattle subsides
For the week ending May 16, Western Canadian feeder markets were steady to $6 higher on average compared to seven days earlier. Heifers were relatively unchanged but steers were notably stronger, especially on replacements over 800 pounds.
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