(WPohlDesign/iStock/Getty Images)

Klassen: Tighter supplies underpin western Canadian feeder market

Weather conditions may sway buying interest

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were unchanged to $4 higher. Heavier calves notched a week-over-week gain of $2-$4. Mid-weight and lighter calves traded steady to $5 lower in Alberta but $4-$5 on either side of unchanged in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Yearling numbers were limited and buyers paid up for quality packages while […] Read more



The wheat market is currently in a unique situation. Domestically, Ontario and U.S. flour millers appear to be covered for their nearby requirements, but export buyers are buying hand to mouth.

Ontario crop production estimates in line with field observations

USDA forecast remains bullish on corn, wheat

The Ontario corn and soybean harvests are in the final stages. Yield reports continue to confirm Statistics Canada’s production estimates. Farmers have been aggressive sellers off the combine. At the same time, offshore exports are increasing for corn and soybeans as prices remain competitive on the world market.  The domestic soybean crush has improved now […] Read more


File photo of cattle on feed near Champion, Alta., about 75 km north of Lethbridge. (James_Gabbert/iStock/Getty Images)

Klassen: Uncertain fed cattle market weighs on feeder cattle

U.S. feeder demand seen relatively sluggish

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings (900 lbs. and over) appeared to trade $6-$8 lower on average; yearlings weighing 800-900 lbs. off grass were unchanged. Backgrounded yearlings were also $6-$8 lower. Mid-weight calves were unchanged but calves under 600 lbs. were $3 to as much as $10 lower in some cases. Feedlot operators pulled […] Read more


Statistics Canada estimated the Ontario corn crop at 9.804 million tonnes, but early yield reports suggest the crop could reach 10 million tonnes.

Harvest yield reports confirm StatCan production estimates for corn and soybeans

As harvest progresses, some farmers are reporting better than expected results

Ontario farmers had harvested approximately 50 per cent of the soybean crop and 10 per cent of the corn as of Oct. 4. The 14-day weather forecast for southern Ontario calls for average temperatures and minimal precipitation. Average to above average precipitation is in the forecast for the latter half of October, which may result […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Stronger barley prices limit upside for feeder cattle complex

Feedlot operators make barley purchases, price feeder cattle accordingly

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2 higher to as much as $5 lower. A softer tone was noted on yearlings in the eastern Prairie regions. Calf prices were steady to $4 lower on average compared to seven days earlier. Quality yearling packages fresh off grass held value but backgrounded heavier replacements […] Read more



Yield estimates for the U.S. soybean and corn crops were reduced from July estimates in the most recent USDA WASDE report, while Canadian yield estimates remained unchanged.

September WASDE report lowers yields for U.S. corn, soybean production

Canadian production still on track from July Statistics Canada estimates

The Ontario growing region received 60 to 85 per cent of normal precipitation between Aug. 18 and Sept. 18, and temperatures were within average to two degrees above normal. In most Ontario counties, crops have developed under favourable conditions. However, some farmers are reporting yield drag northeast of Toronto in the Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes […] Read more

Photo: Canada Beef

Klassen: Steady demand underpins feeder cattle complex

Compared to last week, Alberta yearling markets traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged; however, 800-pound-plus cattle in Manitoba and Saskatchewan appeared to trade $4-$6 higher. Yearling prices across the Prairies are now relatively even with no freight discounts from major southern Alberta markets. Calf markets are becoming more defined with larger volumes on offer. […] Read more