CNS Canada –– As the winter ends, supply is getting tight for feed grains in Lethbridge’s feedlot alley. “We’re seeing a little bit of a pullback on prices on most commodities in anticipation for making sure everything gets out before road bans,” said Brandon Motz, sales manager at CorNine Commodities at Lacombe, Alta. The feed […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Grain supply starting to dry up
Klassen: Buyers’ temperance subdues feeder market
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were under pressure trading steady to $3 lower; however, eastern Canadian orders were prevalent in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan, where values were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels. Alberta feedlot demand was subdued as the deferred live cattle futures traded to three-month lows. Most operations are holding high-priced […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Prairie wheat stored as southern Plains dry out
CNS Canada — A rise in U.S. corn prices has helped lift the entire feed market in southern Alberta, though one industry expert says it isn’t the only factor strengthening the market. “Barley is getting increasingly difficult to buy as we clean up old-crop supplies,” said Allen Pirness of Market Place Commodities at Lethbridge. Cattle […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market sends mixed signals
Compared to last week, western Canadian average yearling prices were steady to $3 lower while heavier replacements above 1,000 lbs. actively traded $3 to as much as $6 lower. Weakness in deferred live cattle futures, along with rising feed grain prices, caused buyers to lower their bids accordingly. Steers averaging 1,000 lbs. were readily trading […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle markets absorbing price uncertainty
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were quite variable throughout the week due to the uncertain price structure in the deferred position. Yearling prices differentiated by nearly $15 across the Prairies while lighter calves were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels. Adverse weather throughout January and February has tempered demand for replacement cattle. Southern Alberta has received […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger fed cattle prices jolt feeder market
Feeder cattle markets came alive last week as fed cattle prices took a fortuitous bounce. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $276-$279 on a dressed basis, up approximately $4 from week-ago levels. Improving beef demand enhanced wholesale beef prices, which quickly spilt over into the cattle complex. Compared to last week, […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Live cattle rally on stronger Plains cash market
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures climbed to fresh three-month highs on Friday as firming beef packer bids at U.S. Plains feedlot markets fueled expectations of higher cash cattle sales this week. Tighter supplies of market-ready cattle on feedlot showlists this week helped to support the cash market. Trading later developed […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Supplies tighten as demand rises
CNS Canada — As supplies tighten, Lethbridge feedlots are looking for the cheapest options when it comes to feed. “Supply seems to be tight in general. There’s not a lot of offers on either corn or barley at the moment. And demand is higher than expected coming into March,” said Brandon Motz, sales manager at […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Live cattle up on anticipated firm cash prices
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures scaled to the highest in at least three months on Thursday on fund and technical buying and as traders anticipated possibly higher cash cattle sales this week. Buying accelerated as futures prices topped highs posted early last week, as the market shrugged off bearish news […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market continues to soften
Compared to last week, yearlings and heavier calves traded $6 to as much as $10 lower. Colder temperatures, along with lacklustre feedlot demand, set a negative tone early in the week. The downward spiral caused the market to be quite variable across the Prairies. It was not uncommon to see 800- to 850-lb. steers trade […] Read more
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