(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market ends 2022 on firm tone

Trade expecting bullish numbers from USDA

Compared to last week, western Canadian calves were trading $4 to as much as $8 higher. Adverse weather did not influence the market this week. There appeared to be a surge in demand across all weight categories. Higher quality or pre-conditioned vaccinated, weaned, lower flesh calves in the 600–700-pound category were up as much as […] Read more


CME August 2023 live cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

Klassen: Stronger deferred live cattle support feeder market

Cow-calf operators seen hesitant to expand

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Calf prices were mostly unchanged compared to seven days earlier; however, there were pockets where buyers reported prices up $2-$3 on average. The Alberta calf market appeared to stage a minor recovery after softening over the past month. Manitoba markets […] Read more

Ontario elevator bids for corn have been relatively flat over the past month and the author doesn’t think this will change too much until spring.

Soybean price strengthens, corn and wheat flat

South American production, extension to Black Sea Grain Deal and lower Chinese demand are factors

Ontario soybean prices have been percolating higher over the past two weeks. Farmer selling has eased. At the same time, domestic and export demand has improved, resulting in the firmer tone. Ontario corn prices have been relatively flat as the commercial system absorbs aggressive farmer selling. Ontario wheat prices remain under pressure. Domestic flour millers […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market experiences diverse price behaviour

Manitoba calves hold a premium over Sask., Alta.

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $2 higher while calf prices were unchanged to $4 lower. Yearling supplies are limited and there appeared to be a surge of buying interest for 850-lb. thin-fleshed replacements. Alberta fed cattle basis levels for the second quarter of 2023 have above average and the […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market rations demand

Risk discount built in with adverse weather

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged while calf prices were steady to $6 lower. Demand from Ontario buyers caused markets in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan to hold value. Alberta prices were under pressure as the market appears to be rationing demand. Calf prices are 25-30 per cent higher than year-ago […] Read more

A grain warehouse seaport in Skadovsk, Ukraine. Traders are watching negotiations regarding the Black Sea export safety corridor, which will influence Russian and Ukraine exports over winter.

Grain traders keeping a close eye on Black Sea safety corridor

Russian wheat will saturate world demand if Western sanctions are lifted

Ontario soybean prices have been relatively flat over the past month but corn prices are down 40 to 50 cents per bushel from October highs. Harvest selling pressure is ending now that harvest has wrapped up across the province.  Soybean crush margins continue to hover near historical highs. Values from domestic crushers are higher than […] Read more

CME August 2023 live cattle (candlesticks) beneath CME December 2023 live cattle (top line),  The spread between the two has been influencing the price structure for calves, Jerry Klassen writes. (Barchart)

Klassen: Stronger deferred live cattle futures support feeder market

Fall run seen moving into final stages

Compared to last week, western Canadian calf markets traded $5 lower to as much as $3 higher. Quality groups of heifers weighing 550-700 lbs. were notably $2-$3 higher and this was largely due to lower supplies of steers. Weather conditions improved in southern Alberta, which was supportive; however, buyers were cautious. Quality pre-conditioned calves held […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Adverse weather limits demand for calves

Stronger Canadian dollar adds pressure

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $2 higher. Calves traded steady to $10 lower in Alberta while markets in Saskatchewan and Manitoba were quoted $5 lower to $2 higher. Adverse weather resulted in a softer tone for calves with Lethbridge temperatures dipping to -25 to -33 C last week. The […] Read more

The competitive window for North American exports continues for two months. Then Brazilian new crop offers will dominate the world market.

Grain prices under pressure

High elevator supplies and other market factors encouraging export demand

Ontario corn and soybean prices have come under pressure as farmers continue to be aggressive sellers. Weather conditions have been optimal for harvest and off-farm movement. Supplies of corn and soybeans in the elevator system are burdensome and the market is functioning to encourage export demand.  The domestic soybean crush has moved into high gear […] Read more