Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels as most auction barns held featured or pre-sort calf sales. However, premiums of $3 to as much as $8 were noted on pre-conditioned, quality-weaned replacements. Time in the market is more important than timing the market; longer term risk adverse feeding reinforced the fact […] Read more
Tag Archives feedlots — page 36
Klassen: Feeder cattle markets establish fundamental equilibrium
Klassen: Feeder market bounces off the lows
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets experienced a week-over-week gain of $5 to $8. Strength in live cattle futures, along with the weaker Canadian dollar, rejuvenated buying interest amongst feedlot operators across the Prairies. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $222 to $227 on a dressed basis, which was also up $2 […] Read more
Klassen: Prolonged negative margins weigh on feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $5-$10 lower last week, with certain auction barns experiencing a week-over-week decline of $15. After 15 months of devastating margins, feedlots have thrown in the towel. If one of the largest, most sophisticated and efficient feedlots shuts the doors, the smaller players are wondering what they’re doing in this […] Read more
Western Feedlots closure seen hurting prices
Winnipeg | Reuters — The closure of one of Canada’s biggest cattle feedlots is likely to depress prices of young cattle and the grains used to fatten them, and may increase sales to the U.S., industry officials say. Alberta-based Western Feedlots said Wednesday it will shut feeding operations early in 2017, citing poor market conditions […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market brewing but caution prevails
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $4 higher relative to week-ago levels. Yearling volumes are starting to increase in central and northern Alberta while the southern and eastern regions experienced limited activity. Buyers’ opaque attitudes resulted in a firmer tone and no one could feel guilty for a minor intemperance. However, the circumspect […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market remains sluggish
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $3 to as much as $10 below week ago levels due to deteriorating feedlot margins and building beef supplies. Once again the bulk of the pressure was on the heavier weight categories as the deferred live cattle futures made fresh contract lows. Alberta packers showed limited interest in fed […] Read more
Fewer U.S. cattle than expected placed in feedlots in June
Chicago/Reuters – The number of cattle placed into U.S. feedlots in June rose three per cent from a year earlier, the government said July 22, below the expectations of most analysts. Fewer cattle imports from Mexico, along with lackluster prices for cattle ready for slaughter last month, may have slowed the flow of animals into feeding […] Read more
Cargill to sell two Texas feedlots
Reuters — Cargill, a top U.S. meat processor, said Friday it will sell two Texas beef cattle feedlots to Amarillo-based Friona Industries pending final agreements and regulatory reviews. Under the deal, Friona will acquire Cargill’s cattle feedlots at Bovina and Dalhart, Texas. Cargill said in a statement it will retain ownership of its cattle feedyards […] Read more
April U.S. cattle placed in feedlots at three-year high
Chicago | Reuters –– The number of cattle placed into U.S. feedlots in April jumped seven per cent from a year earlier, according to a government report on Friday, far exceeding most analysts’ forecasts. Feedlots were still operating at a loss, analysts said. But lower prices for young calves allowed feedlots to buy more of […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market bounces off previous lows
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $5-$8 above week-ago levels with quality groups of steers selling for as much as $10 higher. Renewed optimism surfaced amongst feedlot operators as feeding margins appear to be moving above break-even pen closeout values. Auction markets that only had two or three major buyers at previous sales in spring […] Read more
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