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Retail beef prices continue to hold value near historical highs while restaurant spending has exceeded expectations.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

U.S. cattle herd continues to contract

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Expect one more year of high calf prices before expansion begins

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Alberta fed cattle prices softened in July due to an increase in market-ready supplies and weaker wholesale beef prices. During the first week of August, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in southern Alberta at $235/cwt fob the feedlot. This is down from the mid-June record high of $246/cwt. At the same time, wholesale choice […] Read more
Klassen: USDA lowers beef production estimates for 2023
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Klassen: USDA lowers beef production estimates for 2023

Three months needed to clean up the backlog in Canadian feedlots

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During the third week of November, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $303-$305/cwt f.o.b. the plant for late December delivery. Live prices in Alberta were quoted at $178-$180 f.o.b. the feedlot. Feedlots in Alberta and Saskatchewan are backed up with market-ready supplies of fed cattle. Carcass weights […] Read more
Beef demand appears to be somewhat softer compared to January.
Cattleman’s Corner, Feed markets, Markets

Cattle market contends with softer demand and rising grain prices

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: As Russia and Ukraine ban grain exports, Canada may become a major supplier in some markets

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Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range $272-$275 during the second week of March, relatively unchanged from 30 days earlier. Live bids were reported at $161 f.o.b. the feedlot in Alberta. The Alberta cash trade continues to trade at a $13-14 discount to the U.S. However, this spread had […] Read more
Beef demand is up, but high feed grain prices cut into feeder margins.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

Consumer demand supports fed and feeder cattle markets

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: A one per cent increase in consumer spending equates to a one per cent increase in beef demand

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Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $152 to $153 FOB feedlot during the third week of April. Fed cattle prices were up $3 to $4 from 30 days earlier. The market appears to be factoring in tighter supplies in the latter half of the year, along with growing demand. October and […] Read more
While the U.S. beef cattle industry is still in retraction, the potential for increasing demand for beef is a sign for Canadian producers to keep producing.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Should you expand the cow herd?

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Canadian producers in a good position to sell more beef into a rising market

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I’ve received many inquiries from cow-calf producers regarding the outlook for the cattle herd over the next couple of years. Those of you who have read my articles in the past know that I advise Canadian cow-calf producers to expand when the U.S. cattle herd is contracting, and vice versa. It was one year ago […] Read more
A few more thoughts on the barley market
Cattleman’s Corner, Feed markets, Markets

A few more thoughts on the barley market

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Price good for barley growers, feeders aren't so thrilled

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Over the past month I’ve received many inquiries about the market outlook for feed grains, especially barley. Earlier in winter, I provided an overview of the fundamentals. Canadian barley stocks at the end of the 2020/21 crop year have potential to drop to historical lows due to the increase in export and domestic demand. China […] Read more
Beef demand is slowly improving as Canadian and U.S. economies recuperate from the COVID-19 spring shutdown.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

Favourable beef market over the long term

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Poor calf prices this October, fed prices will improve later in 2021

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First a look at the calf market The calf market will likely remain flat through this October and November. After December, calves that come on the market generally have the option to be placed on grass next spring or moved to a finishing lot. The calf market during the spring of 2021 is expected to […] Read more
Larger beef production weighs on cattle prices
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Larger beef production weighs on cattle prices

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: More head and heavier cattle heading to packing plant

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During the first week of February Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $157 to $159 delivered, which was down from early-January highs of $165 to $168. U.S. first-quarter beef production is coming in larger than expected. The U.S. weekly slaughter has been six to seven per cent above year-ago levels. In […] Read more
In southern Alberta, Simmental based steers weighing 510 pounds were quoted at $230 in mid-November while black heifers were valued at $195. It’s looking like feast-or-famine beef production in early 2020.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Markets

Calf prices will be sideways into 2020

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Both the U.S. and Canada produced smaller calf crops in 2019

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Alberta packers were paying $142 to $144 on a live basis in mid-November, relatively unchanged from last month’s average price. While Alberta prices have traded in a sideways range, fed cattle values south of the border have been percolating higher. In Nebraska, fed cattle were trading in the range of $114 to $116, up from […] Read more
Three main factors will weigh on calf prices this fall.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

Beef demand heads into the slow months

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Be prepared, as the high yearling market only has one way to go

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Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $140 to $143 during the first half of September. The market has come under pressure due to the year over year increase in market-ready feed supplies. In addition to the higher beef production, beef demand is moving through a seasonal low. During September and October […] Read more

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