Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged. Once again, overall volumes were limited, with small strings and singles moving through auction barns. The quality was quite variable and offbeat stragglers were quite common. Buyers incorporate a risk discount on these cattle; therefore, prices do not represent […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market experiences calm before upcoming storm
U.S. livestock: Gains in cattle futures limited by smaller cattle on feed placements
Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures firmed on Monday as drought conditions across the U.S. Southern Plains continue to degrade grazing land, though gains were limited by smaller-than-expected declines in feedlot placements, analysts said. Ranchers have been pushing cattle into feedlots at higher rates as parched grassland struggles to support herds, […] Read more
Klassen: Tighter fundamentals support feeder complex
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $2 higher on average while calf markets were up $2-$4. There was an increase in activity over the past week, although many auction barns remain in holiday mode. Major feedlot operators in southern Alberta were extremely aggressive on yearlings fresh off grass and this […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market adjusts for lower barley prices
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices climbed $2-$4 on average. Calf markets were unchanged. For the second week in a row, the market was hard to define due to limited numbers on offer. Small packages under five head and single stragglers were common. Larger groups of green thin yearlings were well bid by […] Read more
Massive new feedlot working out as planned, says owner
A lot happened while Kevin Serfas built his new operation but he says you must take the long view
Reading Time: 4 minutes The cattle business is never boring. The last two years have produced many hair-raising situations for Alberta’s cattle producers and that’s been the case for feedlot owner Kevin Serfas, who has undertaken a massive feedyard expansion. Based in Turin, about 50 kilometres north of Lethbridge, he runs Serfas Farms, a sizeable grain farm and feeder […] Read more
JBS to automate beef warehousing at Brooks
Packer to replace current fully manual system
International meat packer JBS has enlisted a major robotics and automation company to overhaul the warehousing system at one of Canada’s biggest beef plants. JBS Foods Canada on Friday announced a $71 million project in partnership with New Zealand-based Scott Technology, to design and build a system that can handle and store up to 85,000 […] Read more
National cattle producer group rebrands
Former Canadian Cattlemen's Association renamed
Canada’s national beef cattle producer body is rebranding under a slightly shorter new name that serves in part to clear away any potential whiff of a guys-only club. The organization formerly known as the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association on Thursday launched what it describes as a “a new brand identity, highlighting the strong and diverse group […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle trade at 52-week highs
New-crop feed grain values under pressure
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $2 higher with exceptional demand noted on steers over 700 pounds. Calf values were mixed in Alberta with markets trading $2-$4 on either side of unchanged; however, prices were steady to $4 higher in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Small groups of various quality characterized the feeder […] Read more
Health Canada to slap warning labels on sugary, salty and fatty foods
Ottawa | Reuters – Foods high in sugars, sodium and saturated fat will come with clear warning labels in Canada starting in 2026, the federal government said on Thursday, in an effort to promote healthier eating choices and reduce chronic health risks. “We know that it’s not always easy to make healthy choices,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos told […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Live cattle futures ease ahead of U.S. holiday weekend
Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures eased on Wednesday, as packers prep for a short processing week after the Fourth of July holiday in the United States, traders said. Packers’ purchases are expected to slow by the end of the week, to avoid having pens full of animals waiting over the […] Read more
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