Buyers are starting to step forward more aggressively for replacement cattle as auction market volumes increase in line with the seasonal tendency. The market is realizing buying interest from the small-farmer backgrounding operator; major feedlot operators continue to be stepping forward despite higher barley prices. Cash barley bids reached $280 per tonne last week, up […] Read more
Klassen: Demand improves for calves
Klassen: Calf market drifts lower
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 per hundredweight (cwt) lower on average compared to week-ago levels with larger volume of calves coming on stream. Deferred live cattle futures were lower and weaker feedlot margins are the main factors pressuring feeder cattle prices in the short term. Barley prices in southern Alberta jumped […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market holds value
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady with week-ago levels as auction markets experienced larger volumes with more yearlings coming on stream. Major feeding operations shrugged off the E. coli media hype while the smaller feedlot background operator tended to shy away from the market. Fed cattle prices remain under pressure and feedlot margins are […] Read more
Klassen: Buyers’ anxiety causes softer feeder cattle market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $1 to $3 lower on average across Western Canada. The E. coli-related beef recall, along with the temporary closure of the XL Foods plant at Brooks, Alta., has set a negative tone to fed and feeder cattle prices. Fed cattle prices dropped to $106 per hundredweight (cwt) in Alberta […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle steady with soft tone
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady with week-ago levels while certain classes of replacement cattle were $2-$3 per hundredweight (cwt) lower. Auction market volumes are increasing and cattle buyers are starting to be more demanding with feedlot margins under pressure. Marginal discounts were noted on cattle with no special features. Caution was further granted […] Read more
Klassen: Delayed yearling run enhances feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 per hundredweight higher last week. The main yearling run has been delayed by approximately three weeks because of favourable pasture conditions and plentiful forage. Therefore, feedlot operators are bidding more aggressively for the smaller available supplies. Lighter-weight feeder cattle had a mixed tone. The grain harvest […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices ratchet higher
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $2 to $4 per hundredweight (cwt) higher than week-ago levels. Auction markets are starting to experience larger volumes and feedlots are running with seasonally low numbers. Feedlot managers are stepping forward more aggressively with the deferred feeder and live cattle futures pointing to higher prices into the fall period. […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices remain firm
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady with week-ago levels as the yearling run moves into full gear. Feedlot managers continue to step forward quite aggressively, with many lots running less than 50 per cent capacity. Lighter weight calves were actually up $2-$3 per hundredweight (cwt) on average due to strength in the deferred live […] Read more
Klassen: Yearling run starts season on firm tone
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $1-$3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher last week as the yearling run started the season on a firm tone. Satellite sales experienced larger volumes over the past seven days and regular auction markets are planning larger sales over the next week. Feedlot operators are stepping forward more aggressively in the […] Read more
Klassen: High feed prices have little influence on feeders
Feedgrain prices had little effect on the feeder market this past week, with feeder cattle running $2-$3/cwt higher on average. The yearling run has been delayed by approximately one month and lower volumes of feeder cattle were met with firm demand. Fed cattle prices were steady with week-ago levels at $113/cwt, as the stronger Canadian […] Read more