Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged; steer calves under 700 lbs. were steady to $2 higher on average; heifer calves were steady to $5 higher. Southern Alberta, along with the western half of Alberta, received 30-40 mm of rain over the week which enhanced demand for […] Read more
Klassen: Rains enhance demand for grass cattle
Deferred cattle futures showing strength
Feed weekly outlook: Prices slip slightly
MarketsFarm — There has been scant movement in feed grain prices over the last week, according to Susanne Leclerc of Market Master Ltd. in Edmonton, who noted demand has backed off a little. Buyers have stepped away following rains throughout much of the province, including the drought-stricken south. In turn, she said, prices “softened slightly.” […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Rains forecast for southern Alberta
MarketsFarm — The prospect of rain over drought-stricken southern Alberta, with Calgary and Lethbridge possibly seeing at least 30 millimetres from June 4 to 7, would seem to be a godsend for growers. However, recent history suggests the moisture may not matter in the long term, according to Mike Fleischhauer of Eagle Commodities Ltd. at […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Feedlots shopping for new-crop barley
MarketsFarm — While corn imported from the U.S. was the grain of choice for Alberta feedlots for the past few months, feed barley has slowly become more in demand. Erin Harakal, trade manager for Agfinity Inc. at Stony Plain, Alta., explained that some feedlots were already having their cattle feed on grass as summer approaches. […] Read more
U.S. livestock: August live cattle, feeders ease on USDA report
Chicago lean hog futures firm
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures were mixed on Friday, with the nearby contract firming while the most-active month eased, pressured by expectations of increased cattle placements in the U.S. Agriculture Department’s monthly assessment. U.S. feedlots held two per cent more cattle on May 1 versus the same time a year […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Wheat far more expensive
MarketsFarm — The price for feed wheat is exorbitantly much higher than for barley or corn, according to Jim Beusekom of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. While price reports into that area’s feedlot alley put feed barley at $465 per tonne and corn at $480, wheat is about $600, he said. Feed wheat “is trending […] Read more
U.S. livestock: CME live cattle firm on strong packer demand
Export demand concerns drag on hogs
Chicago | Reuters — CME live cattle futures firmed on Monday, supported by strong packer demand that supported cash prices, indicating a bullish outlook for summer month futures, analysts said. “Packer behaviour has been bullish for several weeks now. They are going after the cattle,” said Dennis Smith, commodity broker at Archer Financial. “I suspect […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Corn trading higher than barley
Seeding begins in Alberta
MarketsFarm — Imported corn from the U.S. is still the grain of choice for feedlots in southern Alberta, despite the fact feed barley is at a slightly lower price right now. Corn traded on Wednesday at around $480 per tonne ($12.19 per bushel) in Lethbridge, said Jim Beusekom, president of Market Place Commodities in Lethbridge. […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Seeding on time in southern Alberta
MarketsFarm — As southern Alberta still reels from the effects of last summer’s drought, one trader expects spring seeding for feed grains to be on time. “I think it should be on schedule this year,” said Erin Harakal, trade manager for Agfinity Inc. at Stony Plain, Alta. Planting has already started in some places around […] Read more
Klassen: Adverse weather tempers feeder cattle market
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Southern Alberta experienced severe wind and dust storms last week which softened buying interest from a large portion of feedlot operators. At the same time, grass conditions are quite variable across the Prairies despite the recent precipitation. Cooler temperatures […] Read more
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