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Klassen: Adverse weather tempers feeder market

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$5 lower. Excessive snow in Alberta and ongoing rains across Manitoba and Saskatchewan set a negative tone. The market appeared to incorporate a risk discount, although many auction barns had limited numbers on offer. Buyers once again focused on local cattle and avoided transportation over […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Yearling prices remain firm

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets were relatively unchanged with the exception of southern Alberta where 800-plus-lb. feeders traded $5 to as much as $8 higher. Strength in deferred live cattle futures and weakness in barley prices were the main factors driving demand in the Lethbridge area. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s bullish […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market experiences softer demand

Compared to the previous week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $4-$6 lower on average; calves were down $5 to as much as $10 in some cases. U.S. feeder cattle markets were also down $5-$8 from seven days earlier. The extended period of negative feeding margins appears to be taking a toll on the feeder market. […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market recovers

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $4-$6 higher on average; some packages in Alberta sold $8 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels. Larger feedlot operations were very aggressive on 750- to 900-pounders. The quality of yearlings is excellent at this time of year. Comments from the front row suggest most […] Read more


Barley south of Ethelton, Sask. in early August 2017. (File photo by Dave Bedard)

Feed weekly outlook: Grain prices back off previous highs

MarketsFarm — Feed barley prices have come down from June highs, which saw prices around $300 per tonne. Currently, feed barley is around $275-$280 as market participants anticipate arrival of new crops. However, demand for feed grains remains high, as “we’re still dealing with a full feedlot,” said Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities at Lacombe, […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle demand softens

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 lower on average while calves were down $3-$5 depending on the region. Weakness in the fed cattle market continues to spill over into the feeder complex, as margins drift further into red ink. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $245-$246 delivered […] Read more