Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier; however, market reports were quite variable depending on the region and weight category. In most cases, prices for calves under 550 lbs. were $2 to as much as $10 higher while values in the heavier weight categories were $3 lower to $3 […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market stabilizes on demand hopes
Klassen: Feeder market incorporates risk discount
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were unchanged; however, calves weighing 550 to 800 lbs. traded $3-$5 lower. The market for calves under 550 lbs. traded $5 lower to $3 higher. Early in the week, prices were showing some strength in the lighter weight categories but buying enthusiasm waned from Wednesday through Friday. […] Read more
Klassen: Calf prices ratcheting higher
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged; mid-weight calves were also unchanged while lighter calves traded steady to as much as $6 higher. Alberta and Saskatchewan have experienced adverse weather over the past couple of weeks; however, feedlots in southern Alberta appeared to be more aggressive for […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market experiencing bottoming behaviour
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were down $4-$6 on average; however, mid-weight and lighter calves traded $4 lower to as much as $8 higher. The market was extremely variable for calves. Early in the week, prices in the Lethbridge area were actually $10 above values from seven days earlier but this faded […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market remains under pressure
Pre-election commodity trading in 'risk-off' mode
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$5 lower on average; calves under 650 lbs. appeared to trade $3-$8 lower with significant pressure on the weight category between 550 and 650 lbs. Moderate demand surfaced on quality yearlings but major operations appeared to back away from the cattle in the heavier weight […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market grinds lower
'Is there no grain in this country?'
Compared to last week, prices for western Canadian yearlings weighing over 900 lbs. were down $4-$8 on average; yearlings weighing between 800-900 lbs. were down $2-$4; calves under 800 lbs. were down $8-$12, with the exception of Manitoba, where lighter calves traded $3-$5 below week-ago levels. Feedlot operators are asking, is there no grain in […] Read more
Klassen: Weather, COVID, feed grains pressure feeder market
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 lower on average; calves traded $2 to as much as $6 below week-ago levels. Southern Alberta received its first snowfall of the season last week, which hindered demand for fresh replacements. Feedlots always incorporate a risk discount when the first snowfall of the year materializes, […] Read more
Manitoba cattle sector gets COVID-19 AgriRecovery
Program to help offset costs from 'extraordinary feed period'
Manitoba cattle producers whose usual markets for finished cattle were temporarily out of reach this spring and summer may now be able to offset some of the resulting extra feed bills. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and her Manitoba counterpart, Blaine Pedersen, on Thursday announced the 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program, an AgriRecovery […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market digests rising COVID-19 cases
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged while calves traded steady to $2 lower on average. The grain harvest is in its final stages and buying interest was noted from the farmer/backgrounding operator. The buying frenzy over yearlings has eased and finishing feedlots were active on all weight categories. Feather-light calves […] Read more
Klassen: Rising feed grains pressure feeder market
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$6 lower with some reports showing prices as much as $10 lower. Calves traded $2-$4 below week-ago levels; however, the market will be more defined next week, with many auction barns scheduling feature calf sales in the major feeding areas of Alberta. Feeding margins in the […] Read more
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