Reading Time: 3 minutes There have been a few small hiccups but unlike much of the ag sector, the cattle market has been blissfully uneventful in recent months. “Calf prices are generally higher than a year ago. We’re seeing our calf and feeder prices 15 to 20 cents higher than a year ago, which is pretty positive,” said Brian […] Read more
Stability of Steady Eddie cattle market is the envy of other sectors
Calf prices a bit higher, exports edging up, and despite a smaller herd, processing is doing well
Klassen: Rising feed grains weigh on feeder market
Compared to the previous week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $3 lower over the past week. In some cases, calves were down $4 to as much as $6. Rising feed grain costs weighed on the overall feeder complex. Feed barley in southern Alberta traded in the range of $265-$275 per tonne delivered, […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market finds support
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $2 lower while calves traded $3 higher to as much as $8 lower. Adverse weather across much of the U.S. Midwest set a negative tone on both sides of the border. U.S. feeder cattle markets were down US$3-$6 from seven days earlier. Corn futures […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market continues to soften
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$5 lower on average with some auctions down $5 to as much as $8. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at $258 delivered, down $15 from the April highs. Feeding margins have slid into negative territory quite rapidly and could be […] Read more
Klassen: Alberta demand drives feeder market higher
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 higher while calves were relatively unchanged. Stronger fed cattle prices in the deferred positions along with lower new-crop barley values resulted in a firmer tone. We’re in the last half of April and quality cattle will be hard to come by in 30 days; this […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market incorporates risk premium
Fed and feeder cattle markets have incorporated a risk premium due to the uncertainty in beef production. Adverse weather has plagued much of the U.S. Midwest over the past couple of months and the six- to 10-day forecast calls for above-normal precipitation. Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 higher on average […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market balancing many variables
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $3 higher while calves were $4 lower to $5 higher depending on the region. Weakness in the live and feeder cattle futures contributed to the variable price structure; however, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $268-$270 on a dressed basis, […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market incorporates risk premium following U.S. floods
Compared to the previous week, western Canadian feeder cattle sold steady to $4 higher the week ending March 23. Favourable spring weather enhanced demand for yearlings from major finishing operations; Lethbridge-area markets were notably $3-$5 higher as feedlots focused on local cattle. While feeding margins remain in negative territory, strength in the deferred live cattle […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market continues consolidation pattern
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$5 on either side of unchanged. The market was quite variable across the Prairies. Demand from south of the border evaporated due to adverse weather while southern Alberta experienced favourable spring conditions. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle at $260 on a dressed basis, up […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market sends mixed signals
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets were steady to $4 lower while calves were steady to $2 higher. Barley prices have jumped $3-$6 per tonne over the past week, with winter conditions hindering off-farm logistics. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $149-$150 last week; however, in Nebraska, fed cattle […] Read more
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