For the week ending September 13, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. The April 2026 live cattle futures ended the week at $233, down $10 from the contract highs.
Nearby feedlot margins remain favorable; however, profitability in the deferred positions has evaporated given the weakness in the deferred live cattle futures.
Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $525-$526/cwt delivered steady to $1 higher than last week. Using a 60 per cent grading, this equates to a range of $315-$316/cwt delivered. U.S. packers were showing bids at $320/cwt fob feedlot in southern Alberta. Current breakeven pen closeouts in Southern Alberta range for $286-$294/cwt.
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The Team Auction Market report had a package of 30 Black Angus steers with a mean weight of 1,000 pounds off grass with all ideal processing procedures valued at $465/cwt fob Strathmore auction yard deliverable September 17. This video sale also included a larger package of tan heifers averaging 1,000 pounds off grass near Consort, Alberta, with full processing data including implants priced at $448/cwt fob ranch for September 18 pickup.
At the Perlich Bros Auction Market near Lethbridge, a smaller package of black Angus yearling steers off grass weighing 892 pounds sold for $512/cwt. At the Lloydminster Auction Market, a seven pack of exotic heifers averaging 935 pounds off grass with full preconditioning traded for $474/cwt at the ring and their lighter sisters with a mean weight of 878 pounds were last bid at $483/cwt at the ring.
The Killarney sale report had a six pack of red and black grass fed yearling steers evaluated 800 pounds priced at $544/cwt. The Ponoka Auction Market report had a small package of mixed heifers off grass with full processing data (no-implants) weighing 820 pounds marked at $491/cwt.
The Team Auction Market video sale had a larger package of black and red steers off cows and pasture with full pre-conditioning and age verified (no implants) scaled at 700 pounds valued at $576/cwt fob Ashern Auction Mart delivery on October 20.
The Lloydminster Auction Market Report had a group of 24 tan steers averaging 604 pounds silencing the crowd at $661/cwt and their younger brothers weighing 559 pounds notching the board at $726/cwt. The Perlich Bros Auction Market report had a group of 11 red Angus heifer calves averaging 575 pounds trading for $612/cwt.
The Bank of Canada and U.S. Federal Reserve are poised to lower their benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points on September 17. It may take awhile to trickle down to lower interest costs for the feedlot operator; however, lower interest rates stimulate consumer spending which is supportive for beef demand.
