Western Canadian feeder cattle prices stabilized over the past week, trading $5 to $8 higher in comparison to seven days earlier. In Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan, calves traded up $10 to $15 higher largely due to a resumption in U.S. buying interest. The market was functioning to encourage demand, and with prices $25 to $30 […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices stabilize
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices remain vulnerable
Feedlot operators continued on a cautious path this week as western Canadian feeder cattle traded $6-$10 lower compared to seven days earlier. Heavier replacements over 800 lbs. once again led the charge lower, dipping as much as $12 below week-ago levels. Manitoba and Saskatchewan markets also came in line at a slight discount to the […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices collapse
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were traded $15 to $25 below week-ago levels, suffering one of the largest declines in history. Heavier replacement cattle led the market lower, trading down $20 from week-ago levels, while feeders under 600 pounds dropped $10 to $12 on average. Feedlot operators pulled in the reins, as fed cattle dropped […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market remains under pressure
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $3 to $7 lower in comparison to week-ago levels as the market continues to digest the weaker fed market and softer wholesale beef values. Feedlot operators were more cautious, realizing the current prices don’t pencil profitably, while the deferred live cattle futures dropped like a power window. Financial risk […] Read more
Klassen: Narrow margins weigh on feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were under pressure the week ending Sept. 19, trading $5 to as much as $10 lower compared to seven days earlier. Negative feeding margins along with a major selloff in live cattle futures destroyed the buying enthusiasm that was evident earlier in August. Feedlot operators appeared to be in disarray, […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market momentum eases
The upward momentum in the feeder cattle complex appears to have subsided over the past week. Western Canadian prices were relatively stable with week-ago levels but there were cases of quality yearling packages (800-plus lbs.) trading $2 to $4 higher. Excellent pasture conditions and optimal weather have delayed feature sales this year in the eastern […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market firm, erratic
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were generally stronger this past week, with increased volatility at the higher price levels. Larger volumes were noted in Alberta, while Saskatchewan and Manitoba auction markets have yet to come on in full force. Buyers were more finicky in regards to quality features, causing some of the diverse price action. […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market shrugs off economic uncertainty
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded near historical highs this past week despite the chaos in the financial sector and weakness in the fed cattle market. Major operations continued to be aggressive on yearlings, setting a positive tone. The feedlot equity buildup over the past year appears to have increased the risk tolerance and quality […] Read more
Klassen: Major operations aggressively bid feeder cattle
The feeder cattle market in a world of its own but has a fair amount of new information — mostly negative — to digest as the fall run moves into full steam. Despite the upcoming uncertainty, western Canadian yearling prices were $4 to $8 above last week on very strong buying interest from larger operations; […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market tenacious
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices appeared to shrug off all negative economic news and divorce from the fed cattle complex this past week. Volumes were once again quite thin, characterized by varying quality. Feedlot operators were active on all fronts, especially in southern Alberta where the barley harvest is in full swing. Heavier yearlings on […] Read more
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