Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $5-$8 above week-ago levels. The first major yearling sales occurred in southern Alberta, which appeared to kick-start the buying momentum. Alberta fed cattle prices and wholesale beef values were under pressure; however, feedlot operators were extremely tenacious. Buyers capriciously worked orders throughout the week and by the Friday, quality […] Read more
Klassen: Lethbridge demand drives up yearling market
Klassen: Feeder market softens on trade comments
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices steady to $5 lower while calves traded steady to as much as $10 lower. Alberta feedlots were shopping across the Prairies; light demand surfaced from eastern Canadian buyers while subdued buying interest was noted from the U.S. Limited numbers were on offer in the eastern Prairie regions […] Read more
Klassen: Yearlings define feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets became more established this past week as early yearling sales captivated major feedlot operators. Prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels; however, larger volumes confirmed the price structure. Higher-quality lower-flesh cattle were featured weighing 850 to 1,050 lbs. at most sales. Feedlots have plenty of pen space and with the […] Read more
Klassen: Strong demand surfacing for feeder cattle
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were quite variable over the past week. Auction barns in Manitoba and Saskatchewan remain in holiday mode. However, markets are coming to life in Alberta. Certain ranchers are starting to sell early bloomers and there’s no shortage of demand for these yearlings. In east-central Alberta, a couple of small groups […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market anticipates higher feed grain prices
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher. Across the prairies, strong demand was noted on limited offerings. Most auction barns are gearing up for major sales over the next couple weeks; however, it appears that a few ranchers were testing the waters and the results were quite surprising. Feedlot operators […] Read more
Klassen: Calm feeder market prior to fall run
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were hard to define over the past week given the limited numbers on offer. Most sale barns remain in holiday mode and the few cattle coming on the market were of various quality. Lighter weight feeders were trading $3 to as much as $10 lower compared to week ago levels; […] Read more
Count ’em up: Lots of positives for cattle sector
A price rebound, a good haying season, and a third packer are three things to be thankful for
Reading Time: 3 minutes Cattle producers have a lot to celebrate. “Our prices for feeder and fed cattle are holding up quite well right now,” said Jason Wood, provincial livestock market analyst with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. No one could have predicted that the market would go as high as it did, he said. “If we compare current prices […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market firm despite outside influences
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged from week-ago levels despite the strengthening Canadian dollar, stronger feed grain values and weaker fed cattle prices. Feedlot operators are wondering if this is a mockery, a delusion or a snare. Shorter term replacements are hard to come by and haven’t softened a half hair length. Small groups […] Read more
Klassen: Renewed optimism supports feeder market
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were trading $3 lower to as much as $5 higher. Once again, most auction barns were either closed or had limited numbers on offer. Lighter-weight yearlings were in high demand, especially after the triple-digit gains in the live and feeder cattle futures on Wednesday and Thursday. […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market eyes feed grain rally
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels. Limited cattle were on offer with the shortened holiday week, but quality groups were well bid. Feedlot operators have been aggressively selling fed cattle, freeing up pen space. Although feedlot inventories decline in the summer, many operations want to carry sufficient numbers into the […] Read more
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