Reading Time: < 1 minute The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program is basically the same as buying put options on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange feeder cattle futures. However, this program offers a price in Canadian dollars and also provides a basis for the local region. Producers should know their costs to determine how much coverage they need. Here’s a basic […] Read more
An example of calf insurance
Klassen: Fresh historical highs sum up feeder market
All weight categories posted higher prices this last week in Western Canada. In central Alberta, quality Charolais-based stockers weighing 535 pounds touched the magical $250 per hundredweight (cwt) level; shorter-keep, medium-flesh exotics weighing just over 800 lbs. traded at $196/cwt at the same sale. Scarcity was the main concern amongst buyers this week. Stronger prices […] Read more
Klassen: Lower available supplies bolster feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were a solid $4-$6 per hundredweight (cwt) higher last week in comparison to seven days earlier; however, certain auction barns reflected a hesitant uneven tone as the market moved higher. Feedlot buying interest remains abnormally strong for this time of year and surging deferred live cattle futures justified the higher […] Read more
Klassen: Lower available supplies support feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively flat last week, trading steady with week-ago levels while quality replacements were $2-$3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher. Feedlot buying interest was not afraid to pay up larger groups of fancier cattle with limited supplies expected in upcoming weeks. In southern Alberta, black steers weighing 785 pounds traded near […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market flattens out
Feedlot buying interest appears to be waning at the higher levels as breakeven pen closeout prices on 750-pound-plus feeders continue to creep higher. Upcoming uncertainty in feed grain prices, along with softer wholesale beef values, has the ability to squeeze feeding margins in late summer and feedlot managers are carefully assessing the risk/reward economics. Alberta […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market remains strong
Throughout the winter and early spring period, feeder cattle prices have been trending higher led by strength in beef values throughout the food processing chain. However, it appears consumer demand is now starting to ease, given historical high retail values. Restaurants are also cutting costs or serving smaller portions in order to reduce the effect […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle upward price trend continues
Western Canadian feeder prices for 800-plus-pound cattle were generally steady with week-ago levels while lower weight categories experienced a week-over-week gain of $3-$6 per hundredweight (cwt). Strength in the U.S. feeder complex led the surge higher on grassers and lighter weight feedlot placement cattle. Healthy feedlot margins continue to support the overall feeder complex and […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market takes a breath
After the buying frenzy in mid-March, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were generally steady last week, with stronger demand noted in the lighter-weight stocker categories. The market is now experiencing 650-pound steers readily trading at $210 per hundredweight (cwt), with favourable pasture conditions expected in most regions of Western Canada. In certain cases, higher prices […] Read more
Klassen: Buying hysteria continues in feeder complex
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were generally steady to $3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher while lighter weight stockers under 600 pounds were $3-$5/cwt higher. Order buyers are telling feedlot managers that quality cattle are in tight supply and despite record-high prices, the “just get ’em” orders continue to flow into auction rings. There was no […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle upward trend continues
Feeder cattle weighing under 700 pounds sold $2-$4 per hundredweight (cwt) higher last week in Western Canada while heavier replacements were steady to $2/cwt above week-ago levels. Quality feeder cattle supplies are starting to wane this time of year and feedlot managers were aggressively bidding on performance-based replacements. Buying interest on grassers was well noted […] Read more
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