For the week ending August 24, Western Canadian yearling prices were down $6-$12/cwt from seven days earlier. Calf markets traded $10-$12/cwt below week-ago levels. Larger numbers are coming on stream resulting in the softer tone.
Tag Archives calves — page 6

Klassen: Larger supplies weigh on feeder market

Klassen: Yearling market softens on economic uncertainty
For the week ending August 17, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $3-$5 lower on average. Three weeks ago, 1,000 pound steers off grass reached up to $340/cwt. This past week, these same cattle were quoted in the range of $315-$325/cwt.

Klassen: Feeder market holds value amid economic uncertainty
Overall, the calf market appeared to be more sensitive to the weakness in the deferred live cattle futures while buyers of yearlings were focused on securing ownership. Ideas are that yearling supplies are down from year-ago levels and scarcity factor is driving the bullish enthusiasm.

Klassen: Feeder rally stalls
For the week ending August 3, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. Strong buying interest continued on yearlings straight off grass; however, the “just get’em” type orders that were evident a week earlier now had limits. More cattle will come available in August and buyers are being more patient to see how the market develops.

Klassen: Western Canadian yearling prices hit fresh record highs
The year-over-year decline in last year’s calf crop has caused the market to set new records. Larger finishing feedlots are setting the price structure as many of these lots have seasonal low inventory. The quality of yearlings coming off grass is excellent with buyers shopping for feed efficiencies.

Klassen: Feeder market leaps higher
For the week ending July 20, Western Canadian yearlings traded $8-$15 above prices from seven days earlier. Values for larger groups of quality calves were up $8 to $10 from a week earlier while run of the mill smaller packages were relatively unchanged.

Klassen: Buyers tasting feeder cattle prices for fall run
For the week ending July 2, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier for larger packages. Small groups of 800-pound-plus cattle were $10 to $15 discounted to pen-sized lots. Calf markets were relatively unchanged from the prior week, although volume was limited. There is significant open demand for yearlings and finishing feedlot operators are watching how prices develop.

Klassen: Light volumes characterize feeder market
For the week ending June 29, Western Canadian yearling and calf markets were unchanged from seven days earlier. Many auction barns are in holiday mode and volumes were light, making the market hard to define. Late blooming stragglers and off grade calves were common.

Klassen: Canadian heifer retention tightening feeder supply
Alberta and Saskatchewan heifer placements in the lighter weight categories are down from year-ago levels. Comments from ranchers and order buyers suggest that Western Canadian ranchers are holding back on heifers to expand the herd. This usually results in a narrowing of the steer/heifer spread.

Klassen: Quality yearlings lead feeder complex higher
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were quoted $5 lower to $5 higher on average in the week ending June 15. However, quality packages of yearlings traded $5 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels