(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle markets experience volatility

Beef prices encourage slaughter pace

Compared to the previous week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of week-ago levels. Prices were quite variable across the Prairies with four main factors influencing buyer sentiment. First, the eastern Prairie regions experienced adverse winter weather. Auction barns in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan had smaller volumes on offer. Buyers shied […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle demand surges

Cow-calf producers already thinking spring

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings sold $3-$5 higher while calves traded $6 to as much as $10 higher. The return of moderate temperatures enhanced buying enthusiasm across the Prairies. Strength in deferred live cattle futures appeared to offset strong feed grain values. Yearling prices were rather soft through January and the first half […] Read more


CME April 2021 lean hogs with 20- and 100-day moving averages plus CBOT May 2021 corn (yellow line). (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: Lean hogs climb on falling grain futures

April live cattle close lower

Chicago | Reuters — CME Group lean hog futures climbed Wednesday, supported by lower feed grain futures and expectations the U.S. herd will shrink moving into the spring, traders said. CME’s most-active April lean hogs added 1.65 cents to close at 73.075 cents/lb., while the spot February contract strengthened 1.95 cents to end at 68.425 […] Read more


(File photo)

Feed weekly outlook: Export demand supports prices

MarketsFarm — Feed grain prices remain strong into the winter, due to steady feedlot demand and solid export activity. Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities at Lacombe, Alta. said feedlots have freed up some pen space after COVID-19 shutdowns created backlogs, but demand remained steady. “There’s more pen space in southern Alberta, compared to other years,” […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Export demand supports grain prices

MarketsFarm — There continues to be a very strong demand for feed grains with large amounts headed for export, according to Saskatoon-based trader Evan Peterson of JGL Commodities. “It’s driven the prices up and made a massive competition between feed for Alberta versus shipping it overseas,” Peterson said, noting China has been the main driver […] Read more