Tariffs alternate trade flows and are inflationary by nature for the country implementing the tariffs. The long-term consequences of Trump’s proposed tariffs and retaliatory responses are difficult to forecast. This reinforces the strategy for selling regular increments of production throughout the crop year to achieve a higher overall average price.
To wage tariff uncertainty, sell regularly
Selling in regular increments throughout the production year will achieve a higher overall price
Klassen: Feeder market stalls; cold temperatures, tariff threat limit sales
For the week ending February 8, the Western Canadian feeder cattle market was hard to define. Prices were softer earlier in the week but were creeping higher by Friday.
Klassen: Western Canadian feeder markets set fresh high amid tariff threat
For the week ending February 1, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $8 per hundredweight higher compared to seven days earlier. In some cases, larger packages of quality genetics were up as much $15/cwt from the prior week.
Steel tariffs could make North American corn more costly
St. Lawrence could see increased freight rates for grains and oilseeds
If President Trump puts tariffs on steel, this will increase freight rates for grains and oilseeds out of the St. Lawrence due to lower vessel traffic.
Klassen: Western Canadian feeder market holds value on Ontario demand
For the week ending January 25, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $$3-$6/cwt on either side of unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Higher quality genetics and lower flesh replacements were slightly firmer; however, feedlot operators incorporated the appropriate discounts on fleshier types and lower efficiency, smaller frame animals.
Klassen: Increased feeder cattle selling caps upside momentum
There was a surge in farmer selling across Western Canada last week. Sales volumes were larger than normal at many auction barns. The fear that President Trump would implement a tariff on feeder cattle ignited fears that that market would drop sharply.
Klassen: Demand surges for beef, live cattle and feeder cattle
For the week ending January 11, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were up $15-$20/cwt compared to the week ending December 21, 2024. In eastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, quality packages of steers 800 pounds and over traded $20/cwt to $25/cwt higher compared to three weeks earlier.
Klassen: Stronger fed market to pull up feeder complex
The Alberta fed cattle market was quoted on a live basis in the range of range of $262-$265/cwt fob feedlot last week. Fed cattle forward contracts for March and April delivery (Alberta) were quoted from $270 to $272/cwt. Compared to last week of November 2024, fed prices are up $20/cwt on average.
Klassen: Feeder market has many factors to digest in 2025
For the week ending December 28, there were no feeder cattle sales in Western Canada; however, that didn’t stop cattle producers from emailing or calling me over the holidays inquiring about market direction. I thought it would be an opportune time to discuss a couple factors that will influence the market direction over the next couple of months.
Klassen: Feeder market finishes 2024 on strong tone
For the week ending December 21, Western Canadian backgrounded cattle and heavier calves were unchanged to $5 lower on average. Calves in the 600-800 pound range were relatively unchanged while calves under 600 pounds were steady to $10 higher.
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