MarketsFarm — The barley harvest has already started in Alberta and prices continue to ease downward, according to one trader. “Around Lethbridge, they seem to have a good portion done,” said Erin Harakal, trade manager for Agfinity Inc. at Stony Plain, Alta. “Some areas in the north are starting, as well. The Edmonton area, Red […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Barley harvest begins in Alberta
Prices continue easing
Klassen: Stronger fed market supports feeder complex
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$4 higher on average. Heavier calves over 700 lbs. continued to climb, notching gains of $2-$4. Calves weighing 500-700 lbs. were $4 to as much as $7 higher. This past week, there was a light test of calves under 500 lbs.. Prices were near historical highs […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Prairie markets hold firm ahead of harvest
MarketsFarm — The feed grain market in Western Canada is holding steady for the time being, with both buyers and sellers keeping to the sidelines ahead of the harvest. “So far we haven’t seen the harvest pressure we would normally expect,” said grain trader Matt Beusekom of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. Feedlots were still […] Read more
Klassen: Hot demand sustains yearling market
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Heavier calves over 700 lbs. were quoted $2-$4 higher on average. Calves under 700 lbs. were quite variable. There were limited numbers on offer in the lighter weight categories and the market remains in price discovery mode. Larger strings of […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Prices lower despite mixed growing conditions
MarketsFarm — While not as widespread as last year’s historic drought, some parts of Alberta are still struggling with hot and dry conditions. Suzanne Leclerc, owner of Market Master Ltd. in Edmonton, said growing conditions for feed grains across the province are varied. “As usual for the last couple of years, such a mixed review,” […] Read more
Klassen: Alberta yearling market makes fresh 52-week high
The western Canadian feeder cattle market is in price discovery mode. There was a light test of yearlings and calves this past week, with prices setting fresh 52-week highs. New-crop supplies of grass cattle are coming on the market from drier pockets of Alberta. At the same time, regular feedlot backgrounded replacements are trading at […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market adjusts for lower barley prices
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices climbed $2-$4 on average. Calf markets were unchanged. For the second week in a row, the market was hard to define due to limited numbers on offer. Small packages under five head and single stragglers were common. Larger groups of green thin yearlings were well bid by […] Read more
Massive new feedlot working out as planned, says owner
A lot happened while Kevin Serfas built his new operation but he says you must take the long view
Reading Time: 4 minutes The cattle business is never boring. The last two years have produced many hair-raising situations for Alberta’s cattle producers and that’s been the case for feedlot owner Kevin Serfas, who has undertaken a massive feedyard expansion. Based in Turin, about 50 kilometres north of Lethbridge, he runs Serfas Farms, a sizeable grain farm and feeder […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Grain prices coming down
MarketsFarm — As futures prices fall back, those for feed have been following, according to Jenny Redshaw, a trader with Agfinity at Stony Plain, Alta. “There are lots of things going on,” she said, noting demand has been somewhat lacklustre. “The feedlots aren’t breaking down any doors,” she added. With prices down across the board […] Read more
Klassen: Negative feeding margins temper strength in feeder market
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings weighing over 800 lbs. traded steady to $2 lower on average. Feeder cattle under 800 lbs. were relatively unchanged. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at an average price of $288 delivered, down from the range of $288-$290 seven days earlier. Using a 60 […] Read more
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