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

Alberta fed cattle basis levels have been quite strong for the second quarter of 2023.

Feeder cattle sales are all about timing

Market Update: It’s important to have some choice when marketing calves

I receive many calls from cow-calf producers regarding the timing of feeder cattle sales. Ranchers often feel they are at the mercy of the market. Cow-calf producers often feel they have no control on their marketing schedule. Many producers sell at the same time every year because that was the marketing strategy for their parents […] Read more


The U.S. beef cow slaughter is projected to reach up to 3.900 million head, up from 2021.

Cow-calf producers have opportunity for expansion

Calf prices expected to remain strong for at least two years, and perhaps three

Throughout the fall, I received many inquiries from cow-calf producers regarding herd expansion. During the latter half of November, good bred cows and higher-quality bred heifers were trading in the range of $1,800-$2,200 in central and southern Alberta. Younger cow-calf pairs were selling in the range of $1,600-$2,100 in the same regions. With current prices […] Read more

Photo: iStock/Getty Images

Mintec acquires Agribriefing to expand agrifood data offering

Paris | Reuters — British market intelligence firm Mintec announced on Tuesday the acquisition of Agribriefing in a deal it said would create a leading global provider of data on agricultural and food markets. Financial details were not disclosed. Agribriefing’s businesses include protein price-reporting agency Urner Barry and crop consultancy Strategie Grains, the latter acquired […] Read more


While the fed cattle market has held value, the feeder market has come under pressure.

Prairie feeder outlook bullish in the long term

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Prices are encouraging many Canadian producers to keep replacement heifers

During the first half of October, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $300-$305 delivered. Using a 60 per cent grading, this would equate to $180-$183/cwt on a live basis. For March and April delivery, Alberta packers have been forward contracting in the range of $345-$350 cwt on […] Read more

Photo: Canada Beef

Klassen: Feeder cattle market experiences weather volatility 

Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices traded $3 to $4 on either side of side of unchanged while calves traded $5 lower to as much as $6 higher. The calf market tends to experience a seasonal bounce every November. In certain cases, buyers appeared to step forward more aggressively last week in anticipation […] Read more


Photo: Canada Beef Inc.

Klassen: Alberta feedlot backlog limits demand for feeder cattle 

Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices traded steady to $2 lower on average while calf markets were down $3 to $5. Feedlots in Alberta and Saskatchewan are backed up with significant numbers of market ready fed cattle which has set a negative tone for replacement cattle. Carcass weights are nearing historical highs. Barley […] 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



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