Compared to last week, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2 to as much as $5 lower. Feedlot margins have come under pressure over the past week which resulted in lower bids for all weight categories. Alberta and Saskatchewan feedlot inventories are running 18 to 20 per cent above year-ago levels. Pen space is at […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle demand softens
Klassen: Feeder cattle market volatility continues
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearlings sold $4 to $6 lower while calves were extremely variable dropping $4 to as much as $10 in some cases. Many auction barns held feature sales last week and larger supplies weighed on the market. Weakness in the deferred live cattle futures also contributed to the softer tone. Feeder […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger demand supports feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets jumped $2-$5 last week, after adverse weather caused buyers to shy away earlier in October. Major feedlot operators were very aggressive on quality yearling packages and heavier weaned vaccinated calves. Many operations have limited ownership at this time of year because wet, cold weather conditions delayed purchases. The market appeared […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market softens on adverse weather
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable due to adverse weather. Rain and snow plagued much of the Prairies, which dictated buying behaviour. Yearlings traded within $5 on either side of unchanged; major feedlots focused on local cattle, which caused the Alberta markets to trade at a small premium to […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Lean hogs, live cattle approach seven-month highs
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog and live cattle futures climbed to their highest prices in about seven months on Monday. Pushing cattle futures higher was optimism that cash prices will improve this week, traders said. Fed cattle in Texas and Kansas stayed mostly steady last week at about $111/cwt in the […] Read more
Klassen: Improving margins underpin feeder market
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings advanced $2-$5 while calves were unchanged to $3 higher. April live cattle futures are in a bull market; I’ve had many calls from producers and all I tell them is that April live cattle futures are in a bull market. Just as important, a market will not culminate […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market holding value
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were steady to as much as $4 higher while calf values traded within $5 on either side of unchanged. Current feedlot margins are hovering around break-even, but profitability will improve during October and November, given the recent strength in the deferred live cattle futures. Therefore, short-keep feeders […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market eyes April live cattle futures
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $3 higher. Strength in the deferred live cattle futures, particularly the April contract, spilt over into the cash feeder market. Limited supplies of yearlings also contributed to the firmer tone. Feedlots have been patiently securing heavier replacements, but we’re now on the home […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market waiting for direction
Average western Canadian feeder prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels; however, the yearling market in southern Alberta traded $3-$5 higher as feedlot operators focused on sourcing local cattle. High-quality yearlings are coming on the market and steady demand was evident across the Prairies. Strength in the deferred live cattle futures along with the deterioration […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market reflects vulnerability
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded within $5 on either side of unchanged. Strength was noted in the major feeding regions of Alberta while subdued buying interest was noted in other regions of the Prairies. Major operations focused on local cattle, especially in southern Alberta. Feature sales attracted larger crowds which enhanced […] Read more
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