Klassen: Feeder cattle prices stay firm

Feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 higher on average across Western Canada last week. Feedlot demand was healthy for all weight categories with lighter calves moving into custom backgrounding operations. In southern Alberta, a group of 220 large-frame Charolais-cross steers averaging 805 pounds sold for $136 per hundredweight (cwt). On average steers weighing 700 […] Read more

Klassen: Yearling prices soften on record U.S. placements

Yearling prices were steady to $2 per hundredweight lower on average last week while calves were steady to $2 higher. Shortkeep steers came under pressure as the industry anticipated record-large U.S. feedlot placements during July. Feedlot demand started to subside given the uncertainty in the fed market. However, by the end of the week, Alberta […] Read more


Klassen: Feeder cattle strengthen on larger volume

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher on average last week. Volumes are starting to increase at most auction barns now that the yearling run is well underway. Labour Day demand and a weak Canadian dollar caused Alberta fed steers to reach a high of $107/cwt, up $3-$4/cwt. Strength […] Read more




Klassen – extensive heat melts feeder cattle market

Sweltering heat has slowed beef consumption on the restaurant and retail level. Top Alberta slaughter prices were reported at $97/cwt, down $7/cwt to $10/cwt from last week with many feedlots holding back on sales. U.S. fed prices were also $3 softer with cattle moving at $108/cwt in Kansas. A healthy group of professionally backgrounded exotic […] Read more


Klassen: Upward momentum lifts feeder cattle

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $2 to $3 higher last week. Most auction markets reported very little volume and many cattle buyers remain on holidays at the Calgary Stampede. In central Alberta, 800- to 900-pound steers averaged $128 with feedlots showing stronger interest for heavier replacements. Alberta packers bought fed cattle at $101 per […] Read more

Klassen: Weak corn equals strong feeder cattle

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 higher in comparison to week-ago levels. Very light auction volumes were reported with many sale barns closed for summer holidays. Feedlot buying interest started to improve late in the week but with limited supplies available, there wasn’t a significant test of the market. Feedlot operators continue […] Read more


Klassen: Feeder cattle futures test contract highs

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 higher last week while U.S. prices jumped $4 to $8. Auction market volumes were extremely light while most cattle buyers started their holiday season. It’s that time of year when quality feeder cattle are hard to find and feedlot owners have other issues to contend with. […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle prices bounce off lows

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices appear to be stabilizing with values steady to $3 higher on average last week. A larger group of feeder heifers averaging 880 pounds sold for $104 per hundredweight (cwt) in central Alberta; 640-lb. steers sold for $149/cwt delivered to Feedlot Alley in southern Alberta. Strength in the feeder market was […] Read more