(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market stable but demand remains soft

Comments from the country this week suggested the market was slightly firmer than week-ago levels. However, market reports stated prices were relatively unchanged and actually softened late in the week. The old saying that even a priest lies about his car’s gas mileage applies to overly optimistic cattlemen trying to bolster market enthusiasm. Feedlot margins […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market establishes defensive tone

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels although a softer tone was noted late in the week. After two weeks of slightly higher values, buyers took on the attitude of cutting one’s coat according one’s cloth. Each cattle feeder appears to have his or her own view of the market and […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market brewing but caution prevails

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $4 higher relative to week-ago levels. Yearling volumes are starting to increase in central and northern Alberta while the southern and eastern regions experienced limited activity. Buyers’ opaque attitudes resulted in a firmer tone and no one could feel guilty for a minor intemperance. However, the circumspect […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

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



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market remains in summer doldrums

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable over the past week. Cattle weighing over 700 lbs. were under pressure while calves appeared to trade steady with week-ago levels. The Calgary Stampede period is one week that cattle men and women don’t worry about markets and just enjoy the celebration of fine culture. Small groups […] Read more

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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


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

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

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market holds value

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $5 higher over the past week on limited volumes. Stragglers from backgrounding operations and late-blooming calves set a reserved tone amongst buyers with large price variations at different regions of the Prairies. Feedlot margins are hovering around breakeven and there appears to be solid demand underneath the […] Read more