Jerry Klassen

Alberta packers bought fed cattle in the range of $120 to $121.50 per hundredweight (cwt) last week, up about $4/cwt from seven days earlier. Strength in fed cattle values, along and improvement in feeding margins, lifted the feeder market by $1-$3/cwt across Western Canada. Cash barley continues to trade at $180 per tonne delivered in […] Read more

Feedlot demand for feeder cattle in Western Canada is down sharply from last year, which has resulted in an apprehensive market for replacement cattle. Not only are there a number of small- to medium-sized feedlots which have closed operations; larger feedlots have turned typical “silage land” into canola and wheat crops and plan to feed […] Read more

Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada traded very uneven last week depending on the region. Prices were $3 lower to $2 higher per hundredweight (cwt) in comparison to seven days earlier, with many factors influencing the daily attitude of buyers. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle at $118/cwt, which is slightly below break-even values on […] Read more

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 per hundredweight (cwt) higher this week. Stronger U.S. feeder cattle prices, along with continued pressure on local barley values, were the main factors driving replacement cattle higher. The harvest is winding down and additional demand was noted from winter backgrounding operators for cattle under 700 pounds. […] Read more

This is usually the time of year when renewed optimism surfaces amongst cattle buyers as feedlots are anxiously placing market orders for fresh yearlings and calves. However, general comments from the industry reflect lacklustre buying interest for all categories of replacement cattle. While certain Alberta feeder markets were steady to $2 higher in comparison to […] Read more

The market for feeder cattle is becoming more established now that volumes have increased at most auction markets in Western Canada. Feather-light steer calves under 400 pounds are regularly selling over $200 per hundredweight (cwt); however, heavier replacement cattle, 700 lbs. and heavier, are about $5-$8/cwt higher than year-ago levels. Alberta packers were buying fed […] Read more

Western Canadian feeder prices were very uneven last week, depending on the region. Barley prices continue to grind lower while feeding margins hover near break-even on current pen closeouts; both factors are the main influences underpinning the feeder market heading into the main fall run. U.S. feeder markets continue to trade near historical highs, which […] Read more

Western Canadian feeder cattle values were steady to $2 per hundredweight (cwt) higher in comparison to two weeks earlier. Feedlot managers have a reserved attitude and the market can feel the cautious optimism for the fed market four to five months forward. Beef demand usually slows down during September and fed cattle were slightly softer […] Read more

Wholesale beef prices have been trading near historical highs, which has supported fed and feeder cattle markets. Beef demand during the summer months has been slightly higher than anticipated, causing the combined weekly slaughter pace in Canada and the U.S. to exceed expectations. Favourable weather across the Midwest and Eastern Seaboard has encouraged barbecues and […] Read more

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were generally $2 to $5 pre hundredweight (cwt) higher on average last week as the nearby barley market dropped $15 per tonne. The old-/new-crop barley price inverse finally released and there appears to be more downside risk in the short term, with harvest just around the corner. Alberta packers were […] Read more