For the week ending June 7, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $15/cwt higher in some cases. Larger packages of quality replacements over 900 pounds were up $10-$15/cwt from prices seven days earlier.

Klassen: Stronger fed cattle markets lifts feeder complex

Klassen: Feeding margin uncertainty weighs on feeder cattle market
For the week ending May 31, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $10 lower on average. Dryer grass conditions in certain regions of Manitoba and […] Read more

Klassen: Lower beef production forecasts support feeder complex
Improving feedlot margins contributed to the stronger feeder market. Alberta packers were buying finished cattle on a dressed basis at $500/cwt delivered which was fresh record high. Using a 60 per cent grading, this equates to a live price of $300/cwt. Feedlot breakeven pen closeouts are in the range of $260-$270/cwt. Feedlots are anxious to reload and larger groups of quality packages are limited at this time of year.

Early planting could result in above-average corn yields in North America
Carryout stocks for old crop remain tight in U.S., making it most competitive on world market
Optimal conditions for planting could mean a record corn crop in the United States.

Klassen: Buying interest for feeder cattle subsides
For the week ending May 16, Western Canadian feeder markets were steady to $6 higher on average compared to seven days earlier. Heifers were relatively unchanged but steers were notably stronger, especially on replacements over 800 pounds.

Klassen: Feedlot operators become cautious on purchases
For the week ending May 10, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $5 higher on average. Quality packages of lighter calves were priced $10-$15 above week ago levels. Many auction barns are only holding sales every two or three weeks at this time of year with limited numbers on offer. This made the market hard to define in certain weight categories.

Tight supplies and weather risks driving North American corn, soybean markets higher
Wheat markets brace for global harvest; U.S. crop may have quality concerns
The corn and soybean futures markets are incorporating a risk premium due to the uncertainty in production. Seasonally, the row-crops experience a rally during the planting period until acreage and weather is more certain.

Klassen: Feeder market consolidates as supplies decrease
For the week ending May 2, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. The heifer discount to steers continues to narrow. Steady buying interest from Ontario was noted in Manitoba and certain locations in Saskatchewan.

Klassen: Higher packer bids enhance feeder complex
For the week ending April 26, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3 to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier.

Chinese influence is alternating trade flows for wheat
Unlike the U.S., China has not imposed tariffs on developing countries in the global south, cementing its position as the trade leader for these countries
China has a strategic long term plan when it comes to the trade war. The top 20 developing countries in the world are in the global south. This includes the Middle East, North Africa, Asia Pacific and sub-Sahara Africa. Last year, China announced zero tariffs on these developing countries in the global south which cemented its position as the trade leader for these countries. You guessed it, these regions are all major wheat importers and with the Chinese influence, they are not looking at the U.S. any longer for food security.