For the week ending October 12, the Western Canadian prices for yearlings off grass and backgrounding operations were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. The Lethbridge market for calves was up $8-$10 from week-ago levels while calf markets in the non-major feeding regions were up a solid $4-$6 on average.
Klassen: Calf market ratchets higher
Manitoba crop report: Most of the harvest off the field
Combining in Manitoba advanced 12 points at 85 per cent complete for the week ended Oct. 7. While some crops made great amounts of progress, others did not. The largest gains were made in the province's soybean and flax harvests as they are up 41 points apiece at 70 and 61 per cent finished respectively.
Prairie forecast: Mild temperatures to continue
Forecast issued Oct. 9, covering Oct. 9 to 16, 2024
As this forecast period starts, the Prairies are feeling the effects of an upper ridge as it slowly slides eastwards and breaks down thanks due to low-pressure tracking over the ridge. Here is where things get interesting. Overall, the models have consistently shown an area of low-pressure tracking over the ridge late this week and over the weekend. This low is forecasted to drop southeastwards and deepen dramatically.
Klassen: Feeder markets experience stronger demand
For the week ending October 5, Western Canadian prices for grass yearlings were steady to as much as $10 higher while values for backgrounded yearlings were relatively unchanged. Calf markets were quite variable with preconditioned 650-800 pound calves trading $4-$8 above week-ago levels. Prices for non-weaned bawlers were relatively unchanged.
Manitoba Crop Report: Dry weather advances harvest to 73 per cent
Warm and dry weather during the week ended Sept. 30, 2024 allowed Manitoba's harvest to advance 15 points at 73 per cent completion.
Prairie forecast: Widespread frost then turning warmer
Forecast issued Oct. 2, covering Oct. 2 to 9, 2024
A large, deep area of low pressure is spinning over eastern Hudson Bay. Weak high pressure stretches across the northern part of the U.S. and into the southern Prairies. The strong counterclockwise rotation around the Hudson Bay low is pushing plenty of cool air southwards across the Prairies. Most regions have a good chance of frost early in this forecast period.
Klassen: Western Canadian calf markets percolate higher
Strength in the deferred live cattle futures has spilt over into the feeder complex. Alberta and Saskatchewan placements in the lighter weight categories are down from year-ago levels which is resulting in stronger Alberta fed cattle basis levels for next spring. These are the main factors influencing the calf markets in Western Canada.
Manitoba Crop Report: Heavy rainfalls slow harvest
Manitoba harvest advances to 58 per cent complete, despite rain delays.
Prairie forecast: Cooler, but still warmer than average
Forecast issued Sept. 25, covering Sept. 25 to Oct. 2, 2024
Despite a fairly unsettled pattern over the last forecast period, the weather models did a pretty good job of the forecast. For this forecast period, things should settle down a bit with a ridge of high pressure starting off our forecast. That doesn't mean that we won’t see any areas of low pressure, but unsurprisingly, the weather pattern is slowly shifting towards more of a fall pattern. That means quicker moving systems.
Klassen: Western Canadian feeder market demand remains firm
Ontario buying interest was evident in Manitoba yearling markets. U.S. buyers were more interested in lighter calves and were shopping for pre-conditioned groups of sizeable volume. Certain finishing operators in Alberta were more aggressive on grass yearlings after waiting for lower prices earlier in the season.
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