(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder rally stalls

For the week ending August 3, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. Strong buying interest continued on yearlings straight off grass; however, the “just get’em” type orders that were evident a week earlier now had limits. More cattle will come available in August and buyers are being more patient to see how the market develops.


File photo of cattle in an Alberta feedlot. (Geralyn Wichers photo)

Klassen: Feeder market leaps higher

For the week ending July 20, Western Canadian yearlings traded $8-$15 above prices from seven days earlier. Values for larger groups of quality calves were up $8 to $10 from a week earlier while run of the mill smaller packages were relatively unchanged.

 Photo: Canada Beef

Klassen: Buyers tasting feeder cattle prices for fall run

For the week ending July 2, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier for larger packages. Small groups of 800-pound-plus cattle were $10 to $15 discounted to pen-sized lots. Calf markets were relatively unchanged from the prior week, although volume was limited. There is significant open demand for yearlings and finishing feedlot operators are watching how prices develop.  

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Calves remain firm while yearlings falter

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$5 lower while calves and grassers traded within $5 on either side of unchanged. Calves were extremely variable with similar weight cattle sometimes trading $6-$8 apart at the same sale. Supplies of calves coming on the market appear to be lower than last year. This may […] 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 prices ratchet higher

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$5 higher on average; however, there were a few feature sales quoted $8 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels. Finishing feedlots were fairly aggressive on backgrounded cattle, which was the main source of yearlings last week. Early grassers are starting to come on the […] 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