Compared to the week ending May 6, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 higher while calf values were up $2 to as much as $8 on average. The feeder market was well bid across all weight categories. Demand for grass cattle appeared to be more aggressive this past week. Yearling supplies will decrease over the […] Read more
Klassen: Lower beef production forecast drives feeder market higher
Feedlots factoring in lower feed grain values
Risk premium in wheat market continues to evaporate
StatCan acreage survey shows increased winter wheat plantings for Ontario, a decrease for soybeans and no change for corn
Grain and oilseed markets are digesting new-crop production estimates. On April 26, Statistics Canada released the results of its acreage survey conducted between Dec. 12, 2022 and Jan. 14, 2023. Although the survey occurred two months earlier than normal, traders feel comfortable with the acreage data. Quick lookSoybeans: Producers should be prepared for the basis […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market remains firm on fed cattle strength
Alberta's disastrous wildfires may disrupt calf marketings
Compared to last week, western Canadian prices for yearlings over 800 lbs. were quoted steady to $4 higher; feeders between 600-800 lbs. were relatively unchanged while calves under 600 lbs. were $5-$10 higher. The market for calves under 600 lbs. was hard to define due to limited volumes. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle supplies remain snug
Feedlots expect significantly cheaper barley come harvest
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Premium low-flesh yearlings were one off bids $15-$20 above average. Cattle buyers commented that there were larger volumes of fleshier yearlings. Cattle with heavier butter levels were discounted from our listed values by $5 to as much as $10. […] Read more
Russia’s Black Sea demands cause jumpy wheat market
An opportunity may arise for new-crop wheat sales, depending on future of shipping agreement
From March 15 through April 15, southern Ontario received above normal precipitation with some areas receiving as much as 100 to 125 millimetres of rain. Temperatures were two to three degrees below normal. The weather trend is cool and wet. U.S. and Ontario farmers could plant corn and soybeans 10-15 days later than normal, which […] Read more
Klassen: Positive feeding margins lift feeder complex
Futures continue percolating higher
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $5/cwt higher. Feeders in the 650- to 800-lb. category appeared to jump $4/cwt to as much as $8/cwt in some cases. Calves under 650 lbs. were up $5-$10/cwt. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in southern Alberta on a live basis at $222/cwt f.o.b. the […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market factors in lower barley prices
Strength in deferred live cattle futures also supportive
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings over 800 lbs. jumped $4 to as much as $10 in some cases. Steers in the 700- to 800-lb. category appeared to be up $10-$12 while similar-weight heifers were up $8-$10. Calves under 700 lbs. were up $10-$20. The feeder market was hard to define in some cases. […] Read more
USDA projects increased planting for corn, soybeans
Planting expected to occur later than normal in both U.S. and Canada, which could drag yields
Ontario received above normal precipitation and experienced average temperatures in March. The winter wheat crop is coming out of dormancy under optimal conditions. Above average wheat yields are expected. Export demand for Ontario soft red winter wheat will be down from earlier projections, which has caused prices to dip to 52-week lows. Current weather forecasts […] Read more
Klassen: Demand surges for grass cattle
Barley, corn expected to be cheaper next fall
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Certain auction markets did not have sales due to the shortened holiday week. Adverse weather also shuttered some sales on Wednesday and Thursday in the eastern Prairie region. Southern Alberta feedlots are contending with poor pen conditions which may […] Read more
Klassen: Alberta fed cattle lead feeder market higher
Traders expecting more barley acres this year
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$5 higher while calf prices advanced $1-$3 on average. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis of $360/cwt last week, up $3-$10 from a week earlier. Using a 60 per cent grading, live prices would be equivalent to $216. Feeding margins have improved […] Read more
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