Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling steers traded $3-$4 higher while yearling heifers were steady to $2 higher. Mid-weight calves or young yearlings from 600 to 800 lbs. were $3-$5 higher on average. Calves under 600 lbs. were relatively unchanged. Favourable rains across the Prairies have enhanced crop prospects for barley and wheat. April […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market heating up
Volumes thin with auction barns in holiday mode
Klassen: Feeder market in consolidation mode
Feeder values in West showing premium over U.S.
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable depending on the weight category. Replacement cattle weighing over 800 lbs. were steady to $4 lower while feeders weighing 700-800 lbs. traded steady to $4 higher on average. Feeder cattle under 600 lbs. were unchanged from seven days earlier. The fed cattle market […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market remains firm
Canada's feeder exports down off year-ago levels
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 higher on average. Strength was noted in the mid-weight categories as lighter calves and yearlings (900 pounds-plus) were relatively unchanged. Major feedlots were dominant buyers, with little demand surfacing for grassers. Feeding margins are in positive territory and recent rains have enhance […] Read more
Timely rains needed to sustain yields in Canada and U.S.
Dry fields have pushed planting progress ahead of normal rate
Over the past 30 days, most of Ontario has received 60-85 per cent of normal precipitation. However, the region from Toronto south to Windsor is relatively dry. Quick lookSoybeans: The 2021 U.S. soybean crop is expected to be much larger than in 2020.Corn: Demand for corn for cattle finishing is hitting seasonal highs.Wheat: Ontario wheat […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market heating up
Wholesale beef prices climbing
Compared to last week, quality yearling packages were $2-$5 higher while calf values were unchanged to $2 higher. A surge in buying interest surfaced for yearlings last week as fed cattle prices continue to trade near 52-week highs. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $162-$165 delivered and breakeven pen closeouts are […] Read more
Klassen: Drier conditions will influence feeder market
The feeder market was hard to define this week. The quality of yearlings was quite variable. Fleshier types were heavily discounted while quality packages were unchanged from seven days earlier. Calf prices were mostly unchanged; however, values were down $4-$6 in drier pockets of southern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba. Southern Alberta barley prices were quoted […] Read more
Brazil crop uncertainty boosts corn market
Commercial buyers struggle to find old crop supplies of soy
Compared to last year, Ontario farmers will increase soybean acres by two per cent and corn acres will be up 1.7 per cent, according to Statistics Canada. Ontario farmers are increasing row crop acres at the expense of spring wheat, oats and barley. As of May 4, about 12 per cent of the Ontario corn […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger fed cattle prices underpin feeder complex
Limited feed and forage hinder further upside
Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $265-$270 delivered this past week, up $3-$5 from seven days earlier. Live prices were quoted at $159-$162 delivered using a 60 per cent grading. If the feedlot operator booked their feed grains earlier in winter, live prices are $2-$3 above breakeven […] Read more
Ontario soybean production expected to rise
Better margins than other crops should bump up acreage
Over the past 30 days, southern Ontario received 85 to 115 per cent of normal precipitation, while temperatures were 4 to 5 C above normal. Winter wheat development is about seven to 10 days ahead of normal with the earlier seeded winter wheat moving into the reproductive growth stage. Quick look Soybeans: Ontario crush margins […] Read more
Klassen: Cattle producers facing drought-like conditions
Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $262-$265 delivered this past week. Using a 60 per cent grading, the live price would be in the range of $157-$159. If a feedlot booked the bulk of its feed grains earlier in winter, feeding margins are now hovering in positive […] Read more
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