Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 higher on average; however, in southern Alberta, yearlings traded $6-$8 above week-ago levels. A few auction barns in Alberta held their first feature sales of the fall run and buyers showed up with both hands. The quality of yearlings coming off grass is excellent and […] Read more
Klassen: Yearling market remains red hot
Barley harvest well underway in southern Alberta
Klassen: Yearling prices on fire
Canada's cattle herd remains in contraction stage
Compared to last week, yearlings coming off grass traded $3-$5 higher; backgrounded yearlings were $1-$3 higher on average while calf markets were relatively unchanged. February and April live cattle futures closed marginally lower for the week; however, fed cattle basis levels from U.S. packers are very strong for winter and spring. This appears to be […] Read more
Six-month Canadian dollar highs weigh on crop prices
Larger expected corn and soybean crops in the United States affecting prices
Over the past 30 days, the Ontario growing region has received above normal precipitation while temperatures have hovered two to five degrees above average. Quick look Soybeans: U.S. soybeans exports increasing with Chinese demand. Corn: Aim to make targeted corn sales this winter, as large rallies are unlikely. Wheat: Wheat harvest continues around the world, […] Read more
Klassen: Yearling demand remains firm
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings fresh off grass traded steady to $2 higher; backgrounded yearlings were relatively unchanged. The calf market was too thin to quote. Major feedlot operators set the price structure and were once again very aggressive. While many feedlots are backed up with market-ready supplies of fed cattle, some feedlots […] Read more
Crop price fundamentals improve based on demand, especially from China
The American dollar has lost value, making U.S. soy and corn more competitive
Ontario farmers had harvested approximately 50 per cent of the winter wheat as of July 26. We’re forecasting an average yield of 78 bushels per acre, down from the five-year average of 82 bushels per acre. Farmers in the western regions are reporting above average yields while early reports are below average in the eastern […] Read more
Klassen: Weaker feed grains drive feeder market higher
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded $2-$4 higher. This was the first week of the fall yearling run with larger groups of quality packages and there was no shortage of buying enthusiasm. Heavier yearlings were readily trading at 52-week highs. Feed barley prices collapsed in southern Alberta as the harvest started in the […] Read more
Klassen: Strong demand underpins yearlings
Compared to last week, yearlings traded steady to $4 higher on average; calves traded $2-$4 lower, although light volumes made the market hard to define. All eyes were on feeder cattle futures, which closed up nearly $4 for the week. This set the direction in Western Canada. Auction barns in Manitoba and Saskatchewan remain in […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market drawing attention
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices were $2 to $4 higher while calf markets traded $2 to $4 on either side of unchanged. U.S. prices were also up $2 to $4 which lent support to Canadian domestic values. Volumes remain thin across the prairies; many producers are busy with silage operations and pasture […] Read more
Heat and lack of water causing concern for Ontario corn, soybean yields
Weather will determine the market in the next 30 days, especially in Ontario
Ontario corn, soybean and wheat crops have experienced yield drag due to the hot and dry weather conditions. During the first half of July, most of the Ontario growing region received less than 10 mm of rain while temperatures have been one to two degrees above normal. Quick look Soybeans: Ontario soybean export interest has […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market looking firm for fall
The western Canadian feeder market was hard to define last week due to the small volumes. Small groups under 10 head were quite common and in many cases, one to three head were running through the ring. Discounts were quite severe on these stragglers; however, quality feeder cattle traded at similar levels to last week. […] Read more
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