Compared to last week, western Canadian prices for yearlings weighing 800 lbs. and over were unchanged; however, calves and yearlings in the 600- to 800-lb. category traded steady to $3 higher. The calf market was hard to define due to small groups of various quality. Strength in deferred live cattle futures along with the weaker […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market stays firm

Klassen: Feeder market consolidates
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. In central and southern Alberta, quality yearling steers weighing 800 lbs. continue to hover at the psychological range of $200-$210; lower-flesh steers fresh off grass weighing 900 lbs. are readily quoted in the range of $185-$190. Saskatchewan values are […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market calm but firm
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were unchanged. Most auction markets were closed due to Canada Day. It’s been a busy spring period; there is no doubt about it. Pastures are quickly deteriorating under the intense heat and many ranchers will sell yearlings 30-45 days sooner than normal. The good news is […] Read more

Klassen: Yearling prices consolidate, calf values soften
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged; however, calves weighing 500 to 700 lbs. were $2-$4 lower. Featherlight bawlers under 500 lbs. were down $6-$8 from seven days earlier. Strong feedlot buying interest supported quality groups of yearlings. Feed barley prices were down $5-$10 per tonne from last week while the […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market percolating higher
Weakness in feeder futures seen as temporary hiccup
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $1-$4 higher on average; calves were steady to $2 higher. Limited volume of calves under 600 lbs. made the market hard to define; however, strong demand was surfacing across all weight categories. The weaker Canadian dollar, along with stronger live cattle futures, set a positive tone. […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market heating up
Volumes thin with auction barns in holiday mode
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling steers traded $3-$4 higher while yearling heifers were steady to $2 higher. Mid-weight calves or young yearlings from 600 to 800 lbs. were $3-$5 higher on average. Calves under 600 lbs. were relatively unchanged. Favourable rains across the Prairies have enhanced crop prospects for barley and wheat. April […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market in consolidation mode
Feeder values in West showing premium over U.S.
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable depending on the weight category. Replacement cattle weighing over 800 lbs. were steady to $4 lower while feeders weighing 700-800 lbs. traded steady to $4 higher on average. Feeder cattle under 600 lbs. were unchanged from seven days earlier. The fed cattle market […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market remains firm
Canada's feeder exports down off year-ago levels
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 higher on average. Strength was noted in the mid-weight categories as lighter calves and yearlings (900 pounds-plus) were relatively unchanged. Major feedlots were dominant buyers, with little demand surfacing for grassers. Feeding margins are in positive territory and recent rains have enhance […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market heating up
Wholesale beef prices climbing
Compared to last week, quality yearling packages were $2-$5 higher while calf values were unchanged to $2 higher. A surge in buying interest surfaced for yearlings last week as fed cattle prices continue to trade near 52-week highs. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $162-$165 delivered and breakeven pen closeouts are […] Read more

Klassen: Drier conditions will influence feeder market
The feeder market was hard to define this week. The quality of yearlings was quite variable. Fleshier types were heavily discounted while quality packages were unchanged from seven days earlier. Calf prices were mostly unchanged; however, values were down $4-$6 in drier pockets of southern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba. Southern Alberta barley prices were quoted […] Read more