CME October 2019 feeder cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market remains volatile

Western Canadian yearling markets appeared to stabilize after coming under pressure earlier in the month. Compared to last week, yearling prices were unchanged to $4 higher on average while calf markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Major feedlots were more aggressive for 800-plus-lb. cattle as feed grain prices continue to grind lower. Favourable […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market recovers

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $4-$6 higher on average; some packages in Alberta sold $8 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels. Larger feedlot operations were very aggressive on 750- to 900-pounders. The quality of yearlings is excellent at this time of year. Comments from the front row suggest most […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market enters summer doldrums

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $5 lower on average. Small volumes were available last week, which distorted the price structure. Many feedlot hands will rotate holidays through July; therefore, feedlot operators don’t want to bring in fresh replacements with a skeleton staff. Recent rains across Saskatchewan and Alberta […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market continues to soften

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$5 lower on average with some auctions down $5 to as much as $8. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at $258 delivered, down $15 from the April highs. Feeding margins have slid into negative territory quite rapidly and could be […] Read more


CME November 2019 feeder cattle with 20- and 50-day moving averages. (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder cattle rally loses steam

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded $2-$5 lower while calves were solidly $3 to as much as $8 lower. There’s a limit how far the cash trade can divorce from the futures market. November feeder cattle futures have dropped $12 from contract highs and there is no sign that this slide is over; […] Read more


CME April 2020 live cattle with 20- and 50-day moving averages. (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder market remains volatile

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$5 on either side of unchanged. Many auction barns were closed last week and the ones holding sales had smaller numbers. Quality packages of yearlings were on the higher end of the range while smaller groups of fleshier replacements were discounted. Alberta feedlots were focusing […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market incorporates risk premium

Fed and feeder cattle markets have incorporated a risk premium due to the uncertainty in beef production. Adverse weather has plagued much of the U.S. Midwest over the past couple of months and the six- to 10-day forecast calls for above-normal precipitation. Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 higher on average […] Read more

CME May 2019 feeder cattle with Bollinger (20,2) bands, a gauge of market volatility. (Barchart)

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