For the week ending March 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle market once again traded $10/cwt higher to $10/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. Backgrounded replacements were down $3-$6/cwt on average with fleshier groups dropping as much as $6-$10/cwt. Calves were quite variable across the Prairies due to limited numbers. There was strong demand for […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market continues consolidation
CALVING 2026: Keep those newborn beef calves healthy
The 2026 calf crop is, or will soon be, hitting the ground on beef farms across Prairies — here’s an overview of how to keep those calves healthy and growing
Reading Time: 5 minutes Biosecurity, vaccines, vitamin injections and colostrum — veterinarian Roy Lewis runs down how beef farmers can keep newborn calves free from disease and gaining weight fast.
Klassen: Stronger barley prices weigh on feeder cattle values
For the week ending March 21, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $10/cwt higher to $10/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. Backgrounded replacements were quite variable with sharper discounts noted on fleshier groups. The heifer discount to steers appeared to be wider in some cases but it was largely based on quality features. Calves […] Read more
Klassen: Weaker fed markets add fear to feeder prices
For the week ending March 14, Western Canadian yearlings and backgrounded cattle traded $10 to $15 lower on average compared to seven days earlier. Calves were unchanged to $10/cwt lower on average. Weakness in the nearby and deferred live cattle prices along with strength in the barley market resulted in a negative tone for the […] Read more
Klassen: Western Canadian feeder market incorporates risk discount
For the week ending March 7, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $5-$10/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. The market held value on Monday and Tuesday but then softened in the latter part of the week. Strength in the feed grains complex along with weaker deferred live cattle futures set a negative tone. Feedlot […] Read more
Klassen: Strong demand underpins Western Canadian feeder market
For the week ending February 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged from seven days earlier. Calves may have traded $5-$10/cwt higher at some locations. Feeding margins have improved over the past week with Southern Alberta pen-closeouts now hovering near breakeven. Ontario feedlot margins are in positive territory by $20-$40/head. At the Ponoka video […] Read more
Health Canada stops sales of coccidiosis medication Deccox on procedural issue
Deccox, a medication to prevent coccidiosis in calves and other livestock, is temporarily off the market after Health Canada issued a stop sale order earlier this month.
Klassen: Feeder market remains firm
For the week ending February 21, Western Canadian markets for yearlings or backgrounded cattle traded steady to $10/cwt higher. The calf market was mixed with values quoted $5 higher to $10/cwt lower. Feedlot margins appear to be improving in the short-term which supported the yearling market. Extremely cold temperatures across most of Alberta may have […] Read more
Biosecurity during calving: What’s your farm’s risk?
A well-designed plan for winter confinement period is essential to reduce disease risk for your herd
Reading Time: 3 minutes Cow-calf producers in Western Canada should have a well-designed plan for winter confinement period to reduce disease risks to herd.
Scours doesn’t hibernate: Infectious risks for cold weather calves
Identifying specific pathogens and management flaws is essential for effective calf scours treatment and prevention on your farm
Reading Time: 4 minutes Identifying specific pathogens and management flaws is essential for effective calf scours treatment and prevention on your farm.