For the week ending May 31, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $10 lower on average. Dryer grass conditions in certain regions of Manitoba and central and northern Saskatchewan may have contributed to the softer tone at certain locations. Many feedlot operators continue to sit on their hands for the […] Read more
Tag Archives cattle prices
Klassen: Feeding margin uncertainty weighs on feeder cattle market
Klassen: Feeder cattle market jumps back to historical highs
For the week ending March 15, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $8-$12 higher compared to seven days earlier. Prices fully recovered from the prior week with values quoted at or near historical highs. Finishing feedlots were aggressive across all weight categories due to strength in the nearby and deferred live cattle futures. Once again, […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market ratchets higher on stronger fed market
For the week ending June 8, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3 to $6 above week-ago levels. In certain locations, quality packages of 600 pound plus steers were $8 to $10 higher compared to seven days earlier. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at $440/cwt, up $2/cwt from the previous […] Read more
Stocker calf prices boom, but cow herd rebuild unlikely
Smaller calves are going to market in record numbers, for record prices
Higher prices for beef stocker calves in the fall run have increased optimism and profits for cow-calf producers after a few challenging years. The last week of October is the busiest for the fall stocker calf run in Ontario, with sales at many auction barns across the province. At the Keady Livestock Market in Grey […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market consolidates at historical highs
Higher borrowing costs offset lower feed prices
For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian yearling steer prices were quoted $2-$4 higher; yearling heifers traded $2 higher to $5 lower. Calves were relatively unchanged although volumes were limited. Larger groups of quality genetics were well bid while second tier cattle were marginally discounted off the highs. Some ranches are liquidating yearlings about one […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market remains firm on fed cattle strength
Alberta's disastrous wildfires may disrupt calf marketings
Compared to last week, western Canadian prices for yearlings over 800 lbs. were quoted steady to $4 higher; feeders between 600-800 lbs. were relatively unchanged while calves under 600 lbs. were $5-$10 higher. The market for calves under 600 lbs. was hard to define due to limited volumes. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle supplies remain snug
Feedlots expect significantly cheaper barley come harvest
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Premium low-flesh yearlings were one off bids $15-$20 above average. Cattle buyers commented that there were larger volumes of fleshier yearlings. Cattle with heavier butter levels were discounted from our listed values by $5 to as much as $10. […] Read more
Klassen: Positive feeding margins lift feeder complex
Futures continue percolating higher
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $5/cwt higher. Feeders in the 650- to 800-lb. category appeared to jump $4/cwt to as much as $8/cwt in some cases. Calves under 650 lbs. were up $5-$10/cwt. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in southern Alberta on a live basis at $222/cwt f.o.b. the […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market factors in lower barley prices
Strength in deferred live cattle futures also supportive
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings over 800 lbs. jumped $4 to as much as $10 in some cases. Steers in the 700- to 800-lb. category appeared to be up $10-$12 while similar-weight heifers were up $8-$10. Calves under 700 lbs. were up $10-$20. The feeder market was hard to define in some cases. […] Read more
Klassen: Uncertain fed cattle market weighs on feeder cattle
U.S. feeder demand seen relatively sluggish
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings (900 lbs. and over) appeared to trade $6-$8 lower on average; yearlings weighing 800-900 lbs. off grass were unchanged. Backgrounded yearlings were also $6-$8 lower. Mid-weight calves were unchanged but calves under 600 lbs. were $3 to as much as $10 lower in some cases. Feedlot operators pulled […] Read more
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