Reading Time: 2 minutes Western Canadian feeder cattle prices surged $4-$6 per hundredweight (cwt) and in some cases as much as $10/cwt over the past seven days. Feedlot buyers became more aggressive in the market, now that corn silage season in southern Alberta is in the final stages. Favourable weather also enhanced buying interest, and the same old story […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market surges
Klassen: Tight yearling supplies support feeder complex
Reading Time: 2 minutes Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $3 to $4 per hundredweight (cwt) higher on average. Cattle buyers were scrambling to fill orders on yearlings as supply uncertainty continues to drive prices higher. Feedlot vacancy is at seasonal lows and operators want to fill pens as soon as possible. Feeding margins are narrowing with higher replacement […] Read more
Klassen: Yearlings in hot demand
Reading Time: 2 minutes September has started with a roar, with fresh lofty levels reached on all weight categories and classes of feeder cattle. The slower summer period gave feedlot operators a chance to rejuvenate and there was no shortage of optimism and energy at auction barns across the Prairies. The equity building over the past year has resulted […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market remains variable
Reading Time: 2 minutes The western Canadian feeder cattle market continues to trade in a volatile fashion. Similar-quality cattle varied by as much as $10 per hundredweight (cwt) in some cases, especially on calves under 600 pounds. There are three key factors enhancing the volatility in the feeder market at this time. First, wholesale beef prices are under pressure […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle supported on positive outlook
Reading Time: 2 minutes Western Canadian feeder cattle sold steady with week-ago levels based on the positive outlook for fed cattle market during the winter period. Buying enthusiasm among feedlot operators remains very strong, due to the positive margins experienced over the past year. Despite the higher price structure for replacements, financial constraints are non-existent, with many cattle buyers […] Read more
Klassen: West’s feeder cattle hold value
Reading Time: 2 minutes Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively stable with week-ago levels despite the softer tone in the U.S. market. Limited volumes at most auction markets were met with firm buying interest as feedlot margins remain in positive territory. The fed cattle market in Alberta remains near historical highs, with packers buying steers in the range […] Read more
Klassen: Softer fed cattle prices temper feeder market
Reading Time: 2 minutes In comparison to seven days earlier, Alberta rail grade prices ended the week down $2 to $5, setting the brakes in the feeder cattle complex. Feedlot managers appeared to be walking on hot coals in auction barns late in the week, with live cattle futures down the limit two days in a row. [Related story] […] Read more
Klassen: Softer barley prices support feeder market
Reading Time: 2 minutes Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded steady to as much as $10 per hundredweight (cwt) higher on calves. Weakness in the feed grain complex offset softer fed cattle prices, which caused the stronger price structure. Alberta packers were buying cattle at $164/cwt, down $2/cwt from seven days earlier while the bulk of trade occurred at […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle reaching lofty levels
Reading Time: 2 minutes Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively undefined last due to lower volumes; however, U.S. feeder cattle were $3-$5 per hundredweight (cwt) higher, setting the positive tone. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle steady to slightly higher at $158/cwt and fed contracts for the fall an winter period continue to climb. The beef market appears […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market firm but undefined during adverse rains
Reading Time: 2 minutes Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were undefined this past week due to the holiday schedule and an extremely light run at major auction markets. However, the market appears to be well supported in the wake of stronger fed cattle prices, which reached fresh record highs in Canada and the U.S. Alberta packers were buying fed […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
