Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$5 lower on average while calf markets were relatively unchanged. Weakness in deferred live cattle futures, along with stronger barley prices, set a negative tone. Most of the Prairies have received less than 40 per cent of normal precipitation over the last 30 days, but this […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market softens
Klassen: Feeder market eyes feed grain prices
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets were $4 on either side of unchanged and the market was quite variable across the Prairies. Strength was noted early in the week but feedlot operators pulled in the reins on Thursday and Friday. Strength in the barley market along with lower feeder cattle prices south of […] Read more
Klassen: Strong demand drives yearlings higher
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 higher, with quality packages advancing $4-$6. Feedlot operators shrugged off the weaker live cattle futures as feed grain prices came under pressure. Cattle brokers were carrying a full deck of orders, which allowed for limited slippage. Feedlots are anxious to secure ownership early in the […] Read more
Klassen: Small volumes characterize feeder cattle market
It’s that time of year when the feeder cattle market experiences a calm before the storm. The fall run will get underway over the next three weeks and recent market activity appears to be quite positive. Last week, yearlings and calves traded $3 on either side of unchanged compared to seven days earlier. However, larger […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger beef demand underpins feeder market
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling markets traded $2 to $4 higher on average while calves were relatively unchanged. It appears that yearling supplies could be down 2 per cent to 4 per cent this fall which has feedlots being more aggressive early in the season. Major markets in Alberta led the charge higher […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market jumps on optimistic outlook
Western Canadian yearling prices were slightly softer during the second week of July, due to the historical high weekly marketings of feeder cattle south of the border; however, the market fully recovered last week. Feeder cattle prices tend to make a seasonal high in late July and this year is no exception. Market reports in […] Read more
Klassen: Large U.S. supplies weigh on Canadian feeder market
Compared to last week, feeder cattle prices were down $3 to as much as $6 across all weight categories. Most auction barns were closed last week for summer holidays and only small volumes traded in the key regions of Alberta. Feedyards are also running a skeleton crew, providing some much-needed time off after a busy […] Read more
Klassen: Yearlings lead feeder complex higher
Compared to last week, yearlings traded $3 lower to as much as $8 higher. Lower supplies made the market hard to define in some regions but quality packages were very well bid. Heifers were somewhat softer but overall, the market continues to strengthen. Larger operations in southern Alberta were once again leading the charge higher […] Read more
Klassen: Fed cattle market drops, feeder market follows
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were trading $3-$5 lower; markets for calves and feeders fit for grass were unchanged to $3 lower. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle at $242 on a dressed basis, down $20-$28 from seven days earlier. The sharp drop in the fed cattle market caused feedlot operators to […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market faces many headwinds
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged. Feedlot operators and order buyers were contending with a number of variables which resulted in a defensive tone. First, the Canadian dollar rallied late in the week, derailing any buying interest from south of the border. U.S. feeder cattle markets were also trading […] Read more
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