Photo: Canada Beef Inc.

Klassen: Feeder cattle market volatility continues

Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearlings sold $4 to $6 lower while calves were extremely variable dropping $4 to as much as $10 in some cases. Many auction barns held feature sales last week and larger supplies weighed on the market. Weakness in the deferred live cattle futures also contributed to the softer tone. Feeder […] Read more

Klassen: Stronger demand supports feeder market

Klassen: Stronger demand supports feeder market

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets jumped $2-$5 last week, after adverse weather caused buyers to shy away earlier in October. Major feedlot operators were very aggressive on quality yearling packages and heavier weaned vaccinated calves. Many operations have limited ownership at this time of year because wet, cold weather conditions delayed purchases. The market appeared […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market waiting for direction

Average western Canadian feeder prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels; however, the yearling market in southern Alberta traded $3-$5 higher as feedlot operators focused on sourcing local cattle. High-quality yearlings are coming on the market and steady demand was evident across the Prairies. Strength in the deferred live cattle futures along with the deterioration […] Read more

Barley. (Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market eyes feed grain prices

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets were $4 on either side of unchanged and the market was quite variable across the Prairies. Strength was noted early in the week but feedlot operators pulled in the reins on Thursday and Friday. Strength in the barley market along with lower feeder cattle prices south of […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Strong demand drives yearlings higher

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 higher, with quality packages advancing $4-$6. Feedlot operators shrugged off the weaker live cattle futures as feed grain prices came under pressure. Cattle brokers were carrying a full deck of orders, which allowed for limited slippage. Feedlots are anxious to secure ownership early in the […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Stronger demand sustains feeder cattle market

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels. Feeder cattle numbers are declining at this time of year, so those buyers looking to secure ownership had to be more aggressive. Higher-quality packages were available in Saskatchewan, which traded at a small premium to Alberta markets. In central and southern Alberta, there appeared […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market stabilizes on lower supplies

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were unchanged to $2 higher on average. Feeder cattle markets appear to have divorced from the fed cattle complex and calves are now reaching levels not seen since November last year. Feedlot operators were fairly aggressive on all weight categories under 900 lbs., but heavier yearlings […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market undergoes minor recovery

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings sold $3 to as much as $6 higher while calf markets were relatively unchanged. Feeder cattle futures experienced a $5-$7 rally, which quickly renewed optimism in the cash trade. Ideas that yearling supplies will drop below year-ago levels on both sides of the border this August spurred on […] Read more