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Klassen: Feeder market quiets at year-end

Feeding margins have moved into negative territory, setting a negative tone for replacements

The last full week of 2023 was characterized by lower volumes and limited buying interest. Feedlot operators don’t want to weigh down schedules of hired hands over the holidays. Many auction barns were closed for the season while some held bred cows and bred heifer sales.










 (Lisa Guenther photo)

Klassen: Feeder market ends year on mixed sentiment

Some feedlots becoming backed up with heavier cattle, setting negative tone for feed complex

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged, to as much as $10 lower compared to last week. Demand for heifers was suffering last week. A weaker tone was noted in the Eastern prairie regions as Ontario demand appeared to evaporate last week. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $368-$370/cwt, down $7-$8 from last week.