The market hasn’t missed a beat and started the year where it left in December. The only difference is there are larger supplies of yearlings coming on stream. The benchmark levels had backgrounded steers averaging 1,000 pounds trading from $280-$285/cwt with top bids rounding at $290/cwt. Steers averaging 850-pounds were averaging $300/cwt with top-notch larger groups peaking at $305.
Klassen: Yearling return to the lineup on strong demand
Frigid temperatures result in limited volumes
Klassen: Cattle producers anxious about 2024
No sales the first week of 2024 as markets assess inventory, plan strategy
The holiday break for the cattle market is analogous to an the intermission between periods of hockey game. Feedlot operators assess inventory and to focus on the market structure. They’re planning their purchase strategy for the next couple months.
Global crop ending stocks for soybeans to drop in 2023-24
Crop planting problems in Brazil have generated concerns about total production in the new year
Statistics Canada released its final crop production estimates on Dec. 4. Corn production came in below expectations and below the September model-based survey. The adverse weather during harvest resulted in yield drag. Corn supplies will be tighter than expected in the latter half of the crop year. Quick lookSoybeans: 2023 production was higher than the […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market quiets at year-end
Feeding margins have moved into negative territory, setting a negative tone for replacements
The last full week of 2023 was characterized by lower volumes and limited buying interest. Feedlot operators don’t want to weigh down schedules of hired hands over the holidays. Many auction barns were closed for the season while some held bred cows and bred heifer sales.
Klassen: Feeder market ends year on mixed sentiment
Some feedlots becoming backed up with heavier cattle, setting negative tone for feed complex
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged, to as much as $10 lower compared to last week.
Demand for heifers was suffering last week. A weaker tone was noted in the Eastern prairie regions as Ontario demand appeared to evaporate last week. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $368-$370/cwt, down $7-$8 from last week.
Klassen: Year-end buying interest boosts feeder market
Feedlot operators gearing up for shortfall in overall numbers in the first half of 2024
Strength was noted in calves under 650 pounds while feeders over 700 pounds were relatively unchanged. Larger packages of weaned quality genetics were $8 to $10 higher in some cases.
South American soybean uncertainty inhibits global market forecast
Production estimates are all over the map and initial production forecasts are shrinking
Ontario farmers had completed the soybean harvest and corn progress stood at 90 per cent complete as of Nov. 28. Adverse weather delayed harvest for the final portion of the corn crop. Farmer selling has subsided over the past two weeks. Commercial stocks of corn and soybeans are at seasonal highs; therefore basis levels remain […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market bounces on lower volumes
Feedlot operators believe yearling numbers will be down in March and April
Strength was noted in Manitoba and Saskatchewan while a softer tone was evident in Alberta. Once again, buyers shrugged off the weaker feeder cattle futures and the focus was on filling year-end orders. Alberta and Saskatchewan feedlots are carrying larger numbers but there appears to be sufficient bunk capacity available to sustain the price structure.
Klassen: Strong demand continues to support feeder market
Significant downside risk ahead
For the week ending Nov. 25, western Canadian yearling prices were $4-$8/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. However, calf markets were firm trading $5-$8/cwt on either side of unchanged compared to values quoted a week prior. Optimal weather in southern Alberta caused major feedlot operators to stretch their hands across the Prairies. At the […] Read more
Delayed Ontario corn harvest lowers yield estimates
Condition of Brazilian corn crop watched for its effect on market prices
The Ontario soybean harvest was about 85 per cent complete and corn progress stood at 70 per cent as of Nov. 14. Some areas had a significant amount of corn out in the field, but given weather forecasts, harvest should be wrapped up by Nov. 28. Quick lookSoybeans: Weather problems likely to affect Brazilian soybeans, […] Read more
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