For the week ending July 2, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier for larger packages. Small groups of 800-pound-plus cattle were $10 to $15 discounted to pen-sized lots. Calf markets were relatively unchanged from the prior week, although volume was limited. There is significant open demand for yearlings and finishing feedlot operators are watching how prices develop.

Klassen: Buyers tasting feeder cattle prices for fall run

Prairie forecast: A switch in the weather pattern?
Forecast issued July 3, covering July 3 to 10, 2024
Over the last couple weeks, I've been asked repeatedly, “when will summer actually get here?” This is especially true over the eastern Prairies. It just doesn't and hasn’t felt like summer yet. Well, it looks like the cool, unsettled weather pattern will be breaking down during this forecast period. This will allow much more summer-like temperature to move in.

Klassen: Light volumes characterize feeder market
For the week ending June 29, Western Canadian yearling and calf markets were unchanged from seven days earlier. Many auction barns are in holiday mode and volumes were light, making the market hard to define. Late blooming stragglers and off grade calves were common.

Cereals Canada moves forward with building plans
Cereals Canada is moving ahead with its plans to building the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange.

Manitoba Crop Report: More wet weather across province
Crop development in Manitoba continued while isolated rains fell over the province during the week ended June 23.

Prairie forecast: A slow slide into summer
Forecast issued June 26, covering June 26 to July 3, 2024
For a change, this forecast period starts of with weak high pressure in place across the Prairies. This brings a mix of sun and clouds and near-average temperatures. Any below-average temperatures are the thanks to the return flow behind the strong area of low pressure which, as predicted, tracked across the central and northern Prairies and brought all sorts of severe weather earlier this week.

Klassen: Canadian heifer retention tightening feeder supply
Alberta and Saskatchewan heifer placements in the lighter weight categories are down from year-ago levels. Comments from ranchers and order buyers suggest that Western Canadian ranchers are holding back on heifers to expand the herd. This usually results in a narrowing of the steer/heifer spread.

Manitoba Crop Report: Planting progresses despite wild weather
Planting across Manitoba progressed during the week ended June 16 despite cool, wet and windy weather, including small tornadoes.

Prairie forecast: Drier pattern overall with unsettled patches
Forecast issued June 19, covering June 19 to 26, 2024
While it looks like we'll see a slightly more stable pattern develop during this forecast period, there will still be some unsettled weather to deal with.

Klassen: Quality yearlings lead feeder complex higher
Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were quoted $5 lower to $5 higher on average in the week ending June 15. However, quality packages of yearlings traded $5 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels