For the week ending September 14, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. However, yearling quality has become quite variable resulting in a diverse price structure.
Chicago wheat futures dipped from three-month highs on Monday on profit taking following the previous week's rally sparked by crop concerns in Europe and escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, traders said.
Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures reached a 12-week high on Friday as escalating tensions in Russia's war with Ukraine increased uncertainty about Black Sea exports.
Traders booked profits ahead of the weekend, after the markets previously found support from gains in equities and improved processor margins that should boost demand for slaughter-ready cattle. Beef processors were earning $54.30 for each head of cattle they slaughtered, after losing money on each animal just a month ago, HedgersEdge.com data shows.
Chicago Board of Trade corn futures ended higher on Thursday, rebounding from a drop to near two-week lows after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) raised its estimate of the U.S. corn crop, traders said.
U.S. wheat futures hit a one-week high on Wednesday, supported by signs that supply pressure from the Black Sea export region may be easing, analysts said.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures closed lower on Tuesday, consolidating after Monday's bounce, while feeder cattle futures firmed as corn prices declined, signaling cheaper feed costs.
Chicago soybean futures fell to a one-week low on Tuesday, with the benchmark contract Sv1 retreating back under $10 a bushel as better-than-expected U.S. crop ratings bolstered production prospects and eased worries about recent dry weather.
For the week ending September 7, Western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $5/cwt higher in Alberta but steady to $6/cwt lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba compared to seven days earlier. Major feedlots in Alberta appear to be focusing on local cattle. The calf market is in price discovery mode with prices quoted $10/cwt higher to $10/cwt lower.