(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market ends year on firm tone

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder markets traded $3-$5 higher. Auction barns in the major feeding regions of Alberta had limited numbers on offer last week; therefore, major operations were sourcing feeders from farther distances. While most feedlots are carrying sufficient numbers, year-end buying was able set the market on a firm tone. April […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market experiences softer demand

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle sold $4-$6 lower on average. Feedlot operators backed away from the markets due to stronger feed grain prices and weakness south of the border. Certain regions of the U.S. Midwest and southern Plains have experienced adverse weather, which caused U.S. feeder cattle prices to experience a week-over-week […] Read more

CME August 2019 live cattle (red) and January 2019 feeder cattle (blue). (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder market searching for direction

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were quite variable from seven days earlier. Prices were unchanged in the eastern Prairie regions; however, Alberta markets traded $3 to as much as $7 below week-ago levels. Alberta and Saskatchewan feedlot inventories are running 16 per cent above year-ago levels, so there’s limited buying power available. Calves are fleshier […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market stabilizes

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged from week-ago levels. Favourable weather conditions enhanced buying interest from cattle feeders in Feedlot Alley; however, cattle-on-feed inventories in Alberta and Saskatchewan are running 16 per cent above year-ago levels. Pen space remains at a premium due to limited capacity. County permit fees and added regulations have also […] Read more



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Klassen: Weather weighs on feeder cattle

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3 to as much as $6 lower. Eastern Prairie regions experienced demand from Ontario and Quebec, which limited the downside; however, Alberta markets faltered as buyers, having factored in a higher deathloss due to adverse weather. Light wet snow along with warmer temperatures during the […] Read more