A barley crop south of Ethelton, Sask. on July 30, 2019. (Dave Bedard photo)

Feed weekly outlook: Grain prices coming down

MarketsFarm — As futures prices fall back, those for feed have been following, according to Jenny Redshaw, a trader with Agfinity at Stony Plain, Alta. “There are lots of things going on,” she said, noting demand has been somewhat lacklustre. “The feedlots aren’t breaking down any doors,” she added. With prices down across the board […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Steady demand supports feeder cattle prices

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged. Weakness in deferred live cattle futures and uncertainty in the feed grain market tempered the upside for all weight categories of replacement cattle. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $288-$290 delivered, steady to $2 lower […] Read more

CME August 2022 feeder cattle (candlesticks) with 20-, 50- and 100-day movjng averages (pink, red and black lines). (Barchart)

Klassen: Canadian feeder market divorces from feeder cattle futures

Timing of new-crop feed grains leads to shift

Compared to last week western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. The quality was quite variable resulting in the wide price structure; however, decent genetic and lower flesh packages were red hot. Feedlot operators were extremely aggressive on 700- to 800-lb. steers although higher weight categories were also well bid. Auction […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feedlot demand up prior to seasonal rally

Market for calves 'boiling hot' in Manitoba

For the week ending April 30, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable. Yearlings traded $8 lower as much as $5 higher. Severe discounts were noted on fleshier cattle; some auction barns reported the bulk of cattle over 800 pounds were medium to heavier flesh. Deferred live cattle futures were under pressure but the […] Read more


CME June 2022 live cattle (green and red candlesticks) with 20-day moving average (black line) and December 2022 live cattle (dark red candlesticks). (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market experiences volatility

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2 higher to as much as $5 lower depending on the region. Mid-weight calves weighing 650-800 lbs. were relatively unchanged while lighter weight calves were steady to $3 higher on average. June live cattle are off $9 from their mid-February highs while the December 2022 live […] Read more