Western Canada’s feeder cattle prices traded in an volatile fashion this past week due to uncertain economics and beef demand uncertainty. Early in the week, auction barns were reporting values steady with week-ago levels; however, buying enthusiasm started to wane by Wednesday and prices were $3-$5 per hundredweight (cwt) lower by the weekend. Feedlot operators […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle experience volatile price action
Klassen: Feeder cattle jump $4-$8
Western Canada’s calf prices once again jumped $4-$8 per hundredweight (cwt) while yearling prices advanced a solid $2-$4. Strength in the fed cattle market, along with stronger wholesale beef values, rejuvenated buying enthusiasm for all weight categories. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle $2-$3/cwt above week-ago levels with fed steers trading in the range of […] Read more
Klassen: Hot demand on feature calf sales
Western Canada’s feeder cattle markets continue to show signs of exorbitant strength as the fall run moves into full gear. Many auction markets were featuring the first calf sales of the season, defining the market structure for the next few weeks. Major feeding regions such as southern Alberta saw quality 500-pound steer calves readily trade […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market surges
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices surged $4-$6 per hundredweight (cwt) and in some cases as much as $10/cwt over the past seven days. Feedlot buyers became more aggressive in the market, now that corn silage season in southern Alberta is in the final stages. Favourable weather also enhanced buying interest, and the same old story […] Read more
Klassen: Tight yearling supplies support feeder complex
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $3 to $4 per hundredweight (cwt) higher on average. Cattle buyers were scrambling to fill orders on yearlings as supply uncertainty continues to drive prices higher. Feedlot vacancy is at seasonal lows and operators want to fill pens as soon as possible. Feeding margins are narrowing with higher replacement […] Read more
Klassen: Yearlings in hot demand
September has started with a roar, with fresh lofty levels reached on all weight categories and classes of feeder cattle. The slower summer period gave feedlot operators a chance to rejuvenate and there was no shortage of optimism and energy at auction barns across the Prairies. The equity building over the past year has resulted […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market remains variable
The western Canadian feeder cattle market continues to trade in a volatile fashion. Similar-quality cattle varied by as much as $10 per hundredweight (cwt) in some cases, especially on calves under 600 pounds. There are three key factors enhancing the volatility in the feeder market at this time. First, wholesale beef prices are under pressure […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle supported on positive outlook
Western Canadian feeder cattle sold steady with week-ago levels based on the positive outlook for fed cattle market during the winter period. Buying enthusiasm among feedlot operators remains very strong, due to the positive margins experienced over the past year. Despite the higher price structure for replacements, financial constraints are non-existent, with many cattle buyers […] Read more
Klassen: West’s feeder cattle hold value
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively stable with week-ago levels despite the softer tone in the U.S. market. Limited volumes at most auction markets were met with firm buying interest as feedlot margins remain in positive territory. The fed cattle market in Alberta remains near historical highs, with packers buying steers in the range […] Read more
Klassen: Softer fed cattle prices temper feeder market
In comparison to seven days earlier, Alberta rail grade prices ended the week down $2 to $5, setting the brakes in the feeder cattle complex. Feedlot managers appeared to be walking on hot coals in auction barns late in the week, with live cattle futures down the limit two days in a row. [Related story] […] Read more