(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market looks for direction

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were once again unchanged from week-ago levels. After the major rally in late April and May, the market has basically traded in a sideways range and is looking for direction. Feedlot operators have experienced healthy margins during the first half of 2017 and this will likely continue until September. They […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Renewed confidence lifts feeder cattle market

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$5 above week-ago levels on average; stronger buying interest was noted on short-keep cattle with prices quoted $5 to as much as $8 higher. Feedlot operators stepped forward more aggressively with ideas that yearling supplies will dwindle over the next month. Quality cattle are starting to thin out at […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle continue upward trend

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $3-$5 above week-ago levels with lighter weight categories selling $6 to $8 higher. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $286 to $288 on a dressed basis, up from $278 last week. This equates to $172-$174 on a live basis, a solid $35 above break-even pen […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle jump on healthy margin structure

Western Canadian feeder cattle jumped $3-$5 on average last week, with 800-plus-lb. yearlings trading as much as $8 higher. Historically high finishing margins finally resonated with feedlot operators and a precarious attitude from recent weeks was thrown by the wayside. Order buyers were inundated with interest as bids were relatively firm across the Prairies. Adverse […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle drop on cautious feedlot demand

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3 to as much as $8 below week-ago levels as feedlot managers anticipate growing beef supplies during the late spring and summer. Heavier weight categories absorbed the brunt of the selling pressure, with backgrounding operators liquidating fall-placed calves. Certain groups of higher-quality heifers held value with the purpose of […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle prices lukewarm on mixed factors

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were steady to $2 higher compared to week-ago levels. All weight classes experienced lukewarm buying interest, despite improving margins in the feedlot sector. Most auction barns experienced minimal numbers; cow-calf producers are holding back on sales hoping for stronger values and extreme cold temperatures hindered cattle movement, especially in the […] Read more