Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded in line with week-ago levels on average, though the market was quite variable across the Prairies. Favourable temperatures in southern Alberta enhanced demand on all weight categories, especially on grassers from 500 to 650 lbs. Higher-quality backgrounded cattle were also $4-$8 higher in certain cases in Alberta. In Saskatchewan […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle steady but demand remains sluggish
Klassen: Buyers risk-averse on feeder cattle
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were trading $5-$10 below values seven days earlier. Sharper declines were noted on heavier replacements over 800 lbs., which at times sold for $15 below week-ago levels; quality mid-weight feeders in the range of 600 to 800 lbs. were down $8 on average. Eastern Prairie markets held value on feeders […] Read more
Klassen: Lower fed cattle market pressures feeders
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were trading $5-$10 below week-ago levels on average last week. Fully weaned vaccinated calves were trading down $5-$8 while semi-weaned bawlers were down a solid $10. Shorter-keep replacements over 850 lbs. were down $8-$12 depending on flesh levels but harder-looking cattle were down sharply, as much as $15. Extremely cold […] Read more
Klassen: Feedlots risk-averse on feeder cattle purchases
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets experienced a softer tone over the past week. Alberta prices were generally steady to $4 lower while in the eastern Prairies, markets were $4 to $7 below week-ago levels. The weaker tone in the deferred futures, along with the stronger Canadian dollar, were the main factors weighing on feeder values. […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market experiences defensive tone
Feedlot operators continue to pull in the reins on replacement cattle purchases because another month-end budget for the bank does not look healthy. Alberta sales barns experienced a soft tone, with sales $4 to $6 below week-ago while eastern Prairie regions received spillover support from U.S. markets. Manitoba markets were notably $3 to $8 higher […] Read more
Klassen: Feeders still vulnerable in financial market turbulence
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices experienced a defensive tone over the past week. Cattleman had their eyes glued to the equity market meltdown, which enhanced fears the fed cattle market would follow suit. Live cattle futures were on a roller coaster, and a late-week bounce in the Canadian dollar added to market uncertainty. Buyers were […] Read more
Klassen: Uncertainty causes feeder market volatility
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded steady to as much as $10 lower compared to week-ago levels. Feedlot hands are contending with adverse winter conditions and cattle travelling farther distances were down $6 to $12 in non-major feeding regions. Feeder markets were slightly softer Monday through Wednesday; however, feedlot operators were quick to back away […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle jump on renewed buying interest
During the first full week of January, western Canadian feeder cattle traded $10-$15 higher compared to late December. In some cases, calves under 600 lbs. were $15-$20 higher. Strength in the nearby fed cattle market, along with the firmer tone to live cattle futures, set a positive tone. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in […] Read more
Klassen: Fed cattle bounce stabilizes feeders
Alberta fed cattle prices jumped to three-month highs, reaching $174 over the past week, setting a positive tone for feeders to start off the New Year. Retailers appear to be featuring beef at discounted prices, alleviating the bloated beef pipeline. Wholesale prices also ratcheted higher, reflecting the improving demand. While pen closeouts remain in negative […] Read more
Klassen: Bounce in fed cattle supports feeders
Feeder cattle prices ended the year on a soft tone, trading steady with week-ago levels. Most auction barns were in holiday mode, resulting in minimal sales across the Prairies. Christmas couldn’t come soon enough for feedlot operators and the bounce in the live cattle futures early in the week was a refreshing gift. This past […] Read more