Western Canadian feeder cattle markets became more established this past week as early yearling sales captivated major feedlot operators. Prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels; however, larger volumes confirmed the price structure. Higher-quality lower-flesh cattle were featured weighing 850 to 1,050 lbs. at most sales. Feedlots have plenty of pen space and with the […] Read more
Tag Archives barley prices — page 5

Klassen: Yearlings define feeder market

Klassen: Feeder market eyes feed grain rally
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels. Limited cattle were on offer with the shortened holiday week, but quality groups were well bid. Feedlot operators have been aggressively selling fed cattle, freeing up pen space. Although feedlot inventories decline in the summer, many operations want to carry sufficient numbers into the […] Read more

‘Mini-harvest’ likely to weigh on feed grains
CNS Canada –– Seasonal lows in the Western Canadian feed grain market may stick around longer than normal this year, as the industry awaits the abnormal spring harvest of those fields left to overwinter this year. “The seasonals are fairly consistent,” said Jim Beusekom of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge, adding “we usually see the […] Read more

Malt barley market weaker with increased supplies
CNS Canada — Despite reports of quality issues this year, malt barley prices are soft, as increased quantity put a damper on the market. Spot malt barley prices are about $4.75-$4.85 per bushel in Western Canada, Prairie Ag Hotwire data said, which compares with last year’s harvest prices of about $5.25-$5.75. “We do have a […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market stabilizes
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded steady to $5 higher over the past week largely due to stronger U.S cattle markets. Alberta packers were relatively quiet but fed cattle prices in the U.S. southern Plains jumped US$5, reaching US$110. This sudden reversal caused Canadian feedlot operators to hold out for higher prices and the positive […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market softens
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, goes the old proverb, and there is no greater example than in the cattle complex. Placid feedlot operators watched in dismay as fed cattle sold in the range of $133-$135 this past week, down approximately $6 from week-ago levels and $10 below breakeven pen closeout values. The stomach-churning fed […] Read more

Feed barley down, harvest pressure still to come
CNS Canada — Feed barley prices in Western Canada are trending lower, and likely have more room to the downside as new-crop barley hasn’t even started to enter the market. “Every time we think we’ve found a bottom, it seems to drop again,” said Jared Seitz of Agfinity, an Alberta-based online brokerage. He added “we […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle market seeking stability
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices continued on a downward trajectory trading $3-$5 below week-ago levels. Erratic buying interest resulted in inconsistent price action across the Prairies which made the market difficult to define. Smaller groups of various quality cattle were on offer, justifying the softer tone, but feedlot operators demonstrated unwavering fortitude even on genetically […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market weathering summer storms
Western Canadian feeder cattle were traded $3 to $5 below week-ago levels, with replacements over 700 lbs. absorbing the bulk of the decline. Despite the sharp drop in barley prices, uncertainty in the deferred cash fed cattle prices caused feedlots operators to back away from the market. Secondly, ideas are that yearling prices will weaken […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle market experiences thin trade
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels. Many auction barns are in holiday mode and the shortened holiday week further shrunk market activity. In any case, feedlot operations on both sides of the border are focused on selling fed cattle and assessing current financial damage rather than bringing in replacements. The […] Read more