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 softens on adverse weather

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable due to adverse weather. Rain and snow plagued much of the Prairies, which dictated buying behaviour. Yearlings traded within $5 on either side of unchanged; major feedlots focused on local cattle, which caused the Alberta markets to trade at a small premium to […] Read more




(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market holding value

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were steady to as much as $4 higher while calf values traded within $5 on either side of unchanged. Current feedlot margins are hovering around break-even, but profitability will improve during October and November, given the recent strength in the deferred live cattle futures. Therefore, short-keep feeders […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market eyes April live cattle futures

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $3 higher. Strength in the deferred live cattle futures, particularly the April contract, spilt over into the cash feeder market. Limited supplies of yearlings also contributed to the firmer tone. Feedlots have been patiently securing heavier replacements, but we’re now on the home […] 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


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market reflects vulnerability

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded within $5 on either side of unchanged. Strength was noted in the major feeding regions of Alberta while subdued buying interest was noted in other regions of the Prairies. Major operations focused on local cattle, especially in southern Alberta. Feature sales attracted larger crowds which enhanced […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market softens

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$5 lower on average while calf markets were relatively unchanged. Weakness in deferred live cattle futures, along with stronger barley prices, set a negative tone. Most of the Prairies have received less than 40 per cent of normal precipitation over the last 30 days, but this […] Read more