Klassen: Feeder cattle reaching lofty levels

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively undefined last due to lower volumes; however, U.S. feeder cattle were $3-$5 per hundredweight (cwt) higher, setting the positive tone. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle steady to slightly higher at $158/cwt and fed contracts for the fall an winter period continue to climb. The beef market appears […] Read more






Klassen: Feeder cattle market sustains upward momentum

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices jumped $5-$7 per hundredweight (cwt) last week. Recent rains caused adverse pen conditions in southern Alberta, but this did little to stem buying enthusiasm. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle at $150/cwt as tighter beef supplies continue to cause counter-seasonal market behaviour in the beef complex. In addition to firm […] Read more


Klassen: Feeder cattle outlook remains positive

Weaker feed grain values, along with stronger fed cattle prices, caused Western Canadian feeder cattle prices to trade steady to $2 per hundredweight (cwt) higher. The market was relatively undefined given the lack of volume. Some producers were holding back smaller groups or “underdeveloped stragglers” as gambling stocks, but these supplies have also moved through […] Read more

Klassen: Weaker barley prices support feeder market

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices continue to percolate higher in the 750-pound-plus categories while lighter weight classes were steady with week-ago levels. Feedlot buying interest appeared to be more aggressive due to softer barley prices in southern Alberta. Earlier in May, barley traded up to $220 per tonne delivered Lethbridge but active trade materialized at […] Read more


Klassen: Feeder cattle market remains hot

Feedlot buying interest remained firm last week as feeder cattle supplies dwindle in line with the seasonal tendency. Small strings of feeders with mixed characteristics were well bid at the higher levels with no signal that this overall trend has come to an end. Once again, larger-frame Simmental-based feeders weighing just under 800 pounds were […] Read more