Tag Archives markets — page 6

For the week ending January 11, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were up $15-$20/cwt compared to the week ending December 21, 2024. In eastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, quality packages of steers 800 pounds and over traded $20/cwt to $25/cwt higher compared to three weeks earlier. 

The Alberta fed cattle market was quoted on a live basis in the range of range of $262-$265/cwt fob feedlot last week. Fed cattle forward contracts for March and April delivery (Alberta) were quoted from $270 to $272/cwt.  Compared to last week of November 2024, fed prices are up $20/cwt on average.

For the week ending December 28, there were no feeder cattle sales in Western Canada; however, that didn’t stop cattle producers from emailing or calling me over the holidays inquiring about market direction. I thought it would be an opportune time to discuss a couple factors that will influence the market direction over the next couple of months.

For the week ending December 21, Western Canadian backgrounded cattle and heavier calves were unchanged to $5 lower on average. Calves in the 600-800 pound range were relatively unchanged while calves under 600 pounds were steady to $10 higher.

The market continues to digest the U.S. border closure to Mexican feeder cattle, which is drawing more U.S. demand towards Western Canada. Auction market volumes are declining at this time of year. The quality of cattle was sub-par in some regions which caused prices to be quite variable.

For the week ending December 7, Western Canadian feeder cattle weighing 700 pounds plus traded $10 to $20 higher compared to seven days earlier. Calves under 700 pounds were up $8 to $10 on average. The markets in Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan were premium to Alberta in the heavier categories due to stronger U.S. and Ontario buying interest.