(Canada Beef Inc. photo)

Klassen: Drier conditions soften feeder market

Alberta and Saskatchewan feeder cattle prices were $2 to $5 lower on average last week due to rising barley prices and deteriorating pasture conditions. All weight categories were under pressure, with sharper slippage on shorter-keep replacements. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $202 to $204, but rising feed grain prices caused […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle rally on discount to cash prices

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle closed higher on Monday and erased Friday’s losses, supported by short-covering and futures’ discounts to last week’s cash prices, traders said. June closed 0.825 cent per pound higher at 153.15 cents, and August rose 0.875 cent to 152.15 cents (all figures US$). “They (traders) can’t fight […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle prices remain firm

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 higher on average with limited sales occurring this past week. The Livestock Markets Association of Canada held its annual convention in Winnipeg on the weekend, so many sales barns were quiet. The market at this time of year is characterized by small packages of various quality, […] Read more


(Canada Beef Inc. photo)

Klassen: Strong beef prices spill over into feeder market

U.S. wholesale beef prices surged higher this past week as stronger retail and restaurant demand absorbed the larger beef stocks in storage. Alberta packers’ average purchase price was $202.50 and with pen break-even closeout prices near $188, the healthy margin structure renewed buying confidence in the feeder market. All weight categories experienced a stronger tone, […] Read more






(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Cattle prices seen as strong for year to come

CNS Canada –– Canada’s cattle industry should continue to see high prices for animals at auctions over the next year or so while operators try to rebuild their herds, industry participants predict. “Typical risks for cattle prices are the Canadian dollar and feed costs for cow-calf producers and feeders,” said Brian Perillat, a manager and […] Read more

(Canada Beef Inc. photo)

Klassen: Feeder market’s upward momentum eases

Western Canadian cattle prices were extremely volatile this past week, trading $2 higher to as much as $5 lower in comparison to seven days earlier. The feeder cattle market appeared to stall out at the higher levels, with most auction barns experiencing smaller volumes. Spring-like temperatures and seeding preparation kept the small cattle farmer/producer at […] Read more