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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

Feeder cattle market poised to rally in 2022

Feeder cattle market poised to rally in 2022

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Higher barley production forecast, with feed grain prices expected to fall

Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in the range of $163-$165 during the second week of December. This is up $9-$11 from 30 days earlier. Canadian prices have been pulled higher by strength in the U.S. fed market. Fed cattle prices in Texas and Kansas were actively trading in the range […] Read more


The Canadian calf crop has been relatively flat over the past four years.

Understanding the feeder cattle market

Market Update: A major rally in the calf market is expected next spring

I’ve received many inquiries from producers about the feeder cattle market. Many cow-calf operators don’t understand the overall supply and demand factors for analyzing the feeder market. Sometimes I hear comments such as “just because there is more supply, why should the price go down?” Secondly, these producers often complain that there is not enough […] 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