Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 higher while calves were relatively unchanged. Stronger fed cattle prices in the deferred positions along with lower new-crop barley values resulted in a firmer tone. We’re in the last half of April and quality cattle will be hard to come by in 30 days; this […] Read more
Tag Archives feedlots — page 28

Klassen: Alberta demand drives feeder market higher

Feed weekly outlook: Barley bids soften as attention turns to new crop
MarketsFarm — Feed barley bids in the key cattle feeding area of southern Alberta are coming under some pressure, as attention begins to turn to the new crop. “Demand is dropping off here a little bit,” said Allen Pirness of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. Feedlots have extended coverage through the spring and into the […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market balancing many variables
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $3 higher while calves were $4 lower to $5 higher depending on the region. Weakness in the live and feeder cattle futures contributed to the variable price structure; however, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $268-$270 on a dressed basis, […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market incorporates risk premium following U.S. floods
Compared to the previous week, western Canadian feeder cattle sold steady to $4 higher the week ending March 23. Favourable spring weather enhanced demand for yearlings from major finishing operations; Lethbridge-area markets were notably $3-$5 higher as feedlots focused on local cattle. While feeding margins remain in negative territory, strength in the deferred live cattle […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Spring weather may swing Prairie feed markets
MarketsFarm — Weather conditions have the potential to swing feed grain markets in Western Canada over the next few weeks, although prices generally remain steady for the time being. “Spring is here, and as the snow melts it creates mud, road bans and all that lovely stuff,” said Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities in Lacombe, […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market continues consolidation pattern
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$5 on either side of unchanged. The market was quite variable across the Prairies. Demand from south of the border evaporated due to adverse weather while southern Alberta experienced favourable spring conditions. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle at $260 on a dressed basis, up […] Read more

Klassen: Winter conditions weigh on feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels. The major feeding regions from Alberta to the U.S. Midwest and southern Plains have all experienced severe storms and extreme temperatures. The forecast for southern Alberta calls for lows of -25 to -32 C over the next seven days. Auction markets have a few […] Read more

U.S. livestock: Cattle set one-year high on weather, supply concerns
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. cattle futures reached a one-year high on Friday on concerns that cold, snowy weather next week may tighten supplies by slowing weight gain and transportation of livestock. Snowfall is expected to increase across the U.S. Plains, where the temperature outlook also is trending colder, according to weather forecaster Radiant Solutions. […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle succumb to negative margins
Alberta fed cattle prices have dropped nearly $15 over the past three weeks. Feedlot margins are deep in red ink, with losses amounting to $200-250 per head. Compared to last week, yearlings and calves over 700 lbs. traded $3-$5 lower; calves under 700 lbs. were down $5-$8 with some feeder markets in Alberta dropping as […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Little to change for Prairie prices
As feedlots reduce their cattle numbers, demand for feed grains has declined on the Canadian Prairies, according to Market Place Commodities trader Allen Pirness at Lethbridge. “It’s a pretty calm time of year. The feedlots are shipping a lot of fat cattle more than they are replacing. Their grain consumption drops off a little bit […] Read more