For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian yearling steer prices were quoted $2-$4 higher; yearling heifers traded $2 higher to $5 lower. Calves were relatively unchanged although volumes were limited. Larger groups of quality genetics were well bid while second tier cattle were marginally discounted off the highs. Some ranches are liquidating yearlings about one […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market consolidates at historical highs
Higher borrowing costs offset lower feed prices
Klassen: U.S. feeder markets pull Canadian values higher
Feedlots aggressively seek U.S. corn
For the week ending July 1, western Canadian feeder markets traded $2-$5/cwt higher compared to seven days earlier. Quality groups of yearlings were up $8-$10/cwt from a week earlier. South of the border, major markets in Oklahoma had feeder steers and heifers trading US$5-$10/cwt above week-ago levels. The Canadian market is functioning to ration demand […] Read more
Klassen: Fed market supports feeder complex
Strength in loonie tempers market upside
For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian yearlings over 800 lbs. were relatively unchanged. Feeder cattle in the range of 600-700 lbs. were up $4-$8/cwt. The market was hard to define for feeder cattle under 600 lbs. due to limited numbers. Prices for quality calves were unchanged from seven days earlier while straggler types were […] Read more
Klassen: 800-lb. steers touch $300/cwt mark
Nearby cash market at odds with futures
For the week ending June 17, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quoted $2-$5/cwt higher on average compared to seven days earlier. However, larger packages of quality yearlings traded $8-$10/cwt above week-ago levels. The market was hard to define because available supplies are dwindling at this time of year. The quality of cattle was extremely […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle under 500 lbs. jump over $400
U.S. beef output expected down in 2024
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices for 800-lb.-plus cattle traded $8-$10/cwt higher. Feeder cattle in the range of 600-800 lbs. were up $6-$8/cwt on average. Calves weighing 500-600 lbs. were unchanged to $10 higher, although supplies were limited. Feather-light calves under 500 lbs. traded $10 to as much as $30 over week-ago levels. […] Read more
Klassen: Texas flooding lifts Canadian feeder market
Fed cattle in counter-seasonal trend
For the week ending Sunday, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $6-$8 higher. In some cases, quality yearling packages traded as much as $10 above week-ago levels. Live and feeder cattle futures closed the week US$8-$9 higher as traders monitored flooding conditions in Texas. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in […] Read more
Klassen: Canadian feeder market rationing demand
Improvement seen in feeding margins
For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian feeder markets averaged $3-$6/cwt higher compared to seven days earlier. Weakness in the Canadian dollar along with strength in the deferred live cattle futures set a positive tone. Recent rains have enhanced yield potential for the Canadian barley crop, which also underpinned nearby cash values. Alberta packers were […] Read more
Klassen: Weather forecasts underpin feeder market
High forage costs pose problem for cow-calf expansion
For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. The finishing feedlot operator appears to be dominating the feeder market across all weight categories. Ontario interest was creeping all the way into Alberta, especially for Limousin-type genetics. There were limited numbers on offer in Manitoba and Saskatchewan […] Read more
Klassen: Lower beef production forecast drives feeder market higher
Feedlots factoring in lower feed grain values
Compared to the week ending May 6, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 higher while calf values were up $2 to as much as $8 on average. The feeder market was well bid across all weight categories. Demand for grass cattle appeared to be more aggressive this past week. Yearling supplies will decrease over the […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market remains firm on fed cattle strength
Alberta's disastrous wildfires may disrupt calf marketings
Compared to last week, western Canadian prices for yearlings over 800 lbs. were quoted steady to $4 higher; feeders between 600-800 lbs. were relatively unchanged while calves under 600 lbs. were $5-$10 higher. The market for calves under 600 lbs. was hard to define due to limited volumes. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on […] Read more
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