Klassen: Feeder cattle prices strengthen

Reading Time: 2 minutes Calf prices in Western Canada were $2 to $4 higher over the past week, with 600-pound steers bringing back $129 per hundredweight (cwt). We also saw heaver yearlings weighing 950 pounds selling for $107/cwt, about $2/cwt above week-ago levels. We are seeing a significant premium in Western Canada over central U.S. prices as basis levels […] Read more

Klassen: Shrinking calf crops limit export movement

Reading Time: 2 minutes Calf prices in Western Canada were $1 to $2 higher than week-ago levels but heavier replacement cattle and late blooming yearlings were $2 to $3 weaker. Feedlot buying interest remains strong and there seem to be limited discounts for unweaned calves or regular-run cattle. Feeder cattle futures were down sharply on Friday as corn futures […] Read more


Klassen: Feeder market remains strong despite slower exports

Reading Time: 2 minutes Western Canadian feeder cattle were $2 to $3 higher on average in comparison to week-ago levels. Steers weighing just over 900 pounds brought back $106 in central Alberta while similar prices were Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Buying interest for calves was also strong, with 6-weight steers selling for over $125 in southern Alberta. Managers in Feedlot […] Read more

Klassen: Rising corn weighs on feeder cattle

Reading Time: 2 minutes U.S. yearling prices were $3-$4 per hundredweight (cwt) lower last week as Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) corn futures reached their highest levels in two years. U.S. calves were moving $3-$7/cwt lower amidst lower demand and increasing head counts. Buying interest for replacement cattle has subsided, with feeding margins under pressure and deferred live cattle […] Read more


Klassen: Feeder cattle prices remain vulnerable

Reading Time: 2 minutes U.S. feeder values for weaned calves and yearlings were $3 to $5 lower last week due to stronger feedgrain values. Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) corn futures made new highs last week, resulting in lower bids for replacement cattle, despite the strength in the deferred live cattle futures. Canadian prices held values, with 800-pound steers […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle prices struggle to move higher

Reading Time: 2 minutes Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were steady with week-ago levels with strong feedlot demand noted for heavier yearlings. The recent CanFax Alberta and Saskatchewan cattle on feed report showed feedlot supplies at four-year lows. Feedlots are running at below normal capacity for this time of year and enthusiasm for replacements has stayed strong, despite […] Read more


Klassen: Higher corn weighs on feeder futures

Reading Time: 2 minutes Feeder cattle futures were under pressure last week as December corn futures moved above the psychological $4.50 level. Top-quality steers weighing just over 900 pounds were selling for $106 in southern Alberta; 825-pound steers reached up to $114. Basis levels in Western Canada strengthened by $3 to $6 last week as auction market prices were […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle futures make contract highs

Reading Time: 2 minutes Feeder cattle futures made new contract highs last week due to tight available supplies and stronger fed cattle prices. While it is not unusual to see a correction after a surge higher, prices are expected to be well supported into the fall period. U.S. feeder cattle were $1 to $3 higher last week on average, […] Read more


Klassen: Stronger fed prices lead feeder cattle higher

Reading Time: 2 minutes Feeder cattle prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan were steady to $1 higher last week; U.S. values were $1 to $3 higher for yearlings while lighter calves traded $2 higher to $2 lower. Most of the auction market activity occurred before the surge in U.S. fed cattle prices. Nebraska steers jumped $5 to $7 last week, […] Read more

Klassen: Yearling market makes two-year highs

Reading Time: 2 minutes Yearling prices in Western Canada reached their highest levels in two years as top-quality 800-pound steers in southern Alberta were trading in the range of $112 to $115 per hundredweight. Stronger fed cattle prices and tighter yearling numbers have resulted in the firmer tone. Lighter-weight 6-weight calves were being purchased in the range of $110 […] Read more