Improving feedlot margins contributed to the stronger feeder market. Alberta packers were buying finished cattle on a dressed basis at $500/cwt delivered which was fresh record high. Using a 60 per cent grading, this equates to a live price of $300/cwt. Feedlot breakeven pen closeouts are in the range of $260-$270/cwt. Feedlots are anxious to reload and larger groups of quality packages are limited at this time of year.
Tag Archives saskatchewan — page 4
Klassen: Lower beef production forecasts support feeder complex
Spring seeding entering final stretch in Saskatchewan
Seeding operations are nearing their final stages in Saskatchewan, with 72 per cent of intended acres in the ground as of May 19, according to the latest provincial crop report. That was up 23 points from the previous week and compares with the five-year average of 60 per cent done.
Drake Meats to build new facility
Saskatchewan meat company Drake Meats Processors Inc. will be building a new meat processing facility in Saskatoon that is expected to employ 200 local people once fully operational.
Prairie forecast: Cool and damp, then sunny and warm
Forecast issued May 21, covering May 21 to 28, 2025
For this forecast period, it seems set to dry out and warm up. I suppose that's good for the areas that recently received significant rainfall and not so good for those regions dealing with fires.
Klassen: Buying interest for feeder cattle subsides
For the week ending May 16, Western Canadian feeder markets were steady to $6 higher on average compared to seven days earlier. Heifers were relatively unchanged but steers were notably stronger, especially on replacements over 800 pounds.
Seeding at halfway mark in Saskatchewan
Good weather aids planting
Favourable weather has allowed Saskatchewan farmers to make good seeding progress, with 49 per cent of intended acres in the ground as of May 12, according to the latest provincial report. That's up from 31 per cent the previous week and compares with the five-year average of 32 per cent.
Prairie forecast: Cool long weekend expected for Saskatchewan and Manitoba
Forecast issued May 14, covering May 14 to 21, 2025
Across the eastern Prairies, all eyes are on the breakdown of the western trough and the resulting ejection of the final area of low pressure. The weather models are still trying to get a handle on this feature.
Klassen: Feedlot operators become cautious on purchases
For the week ending May 10, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $5 higher on average. Quality packages of lighter calves were priced $10-$15 above week ago levels. Many auction barns are only holding sales every two or three weeks at this time of year with limited numbers on offer. This made the market hard to define in certain weight categories.
Prairie forecast: Hot east, cool west
Forecast issued May 7, covering May 7 to 14, 2025
We saw a strong ridge of high pressure build in last week, which brought daytime highs into the low thirties across parts of the eastern Prairies. Once the ridge collapsed, cooler air moved back in. Well, it looks like we can expect another cycle of building and collapsing ridges. Then, starting on the weekend, the weather pattern should become more energetic thanks to a strong trough of low pressure forecasted to develop off the West Coast.
Klassen: Feeder market consolidates as supplies decrease
For the week ending May 2, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. The heifer discount to steers continues to narrow. Steady buying interest from Ontario was noted in Manitoba and certain locations in Saskatchewan.
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