Reading Time: 2 minutes Beef specialists examine key indicators in Canadian market for growth patterns in cattle markets
Want to track the cattle industry? Follow the heifers
Beef analysts look beyond the crystal ball to heifer data and consumer debt
Klassen: Feeder cattle mixed across the Prairies
Market sentiment can be extremely variable and this week, we saw a large divergence in the price structure across the Prairies. Alberta feeder cattle prices were generally $3 to $6 higher and in some cases as much as $10 above week-ago levels. Buying interest appeared to fade moving east, with Manitoba markets dropping $4-$8 from […] Read more
Klassen: Buyers risk-averse on feeder cattle
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were trading $5-$10 below values seven days earlier. Sharper declines were noted on heavier replacements over 800 lbs., which at times sold for $15 below week-ago levels; quality mid-weight feeders in the range of 600 to 800 lbs. were down $8 on average. Eastern Prairie markets held value on feeders […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle jump on renewed buying interest
During the first full week of January, western Canadian feeder cattle traded $10-$15 higher compared to late December. In some cases, calves under 600 lbs. were $15-$20 higher. Strength in the nearby fed cattle market, along with the firmer tone to live cattle futures, set a positive tone. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in […] Read more
Consumers are richer, but their diets likely won’t be
Consumers will have more cash to spend, but very little will go towards bumping up their food spending
Reading Time: < 1 minute Consumers are starting the year with a little more jingle in their jeans thanks to the drop in oil prices. “About six or seven per cent of people’s spending in a year is just on gasoline,” said Michael Burt, director of industrial economic trends with the Conference Board of Canada. “If you’re suddenly giving people […] Read more