Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged; calf prices held value, but there were pockets like Lethbridge where values were $2-$4 higher. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in the range of $156-$158. If an Alberta feedlot booked its feed grains in April […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market holds value
Klassen: Finishing feedlot demand drives yearlings higher
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded $2 lower to as much as $5 higher. Strength was once again noted in southern Alberta where heavier yearlings recorded a fresh 52-week high. Calves were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels. Larger groups of quality weaned genetics traded as much $5 above average values. Feather-lite bawlers under […] Read more
Klassen: Lower beef production supports cash feeder market
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged; calf prices traded $2 on either side of week-ago levels. December and February live cattle futures have dropped $8-$10 off the highs while feed grain values have remained firm. Buyers were on the defensive this past week, given the softer outlook for fed cattle […] Read more
JBS plans to reopen Nebraska beef plant damaged in fire
'Primary production areas' not hit
Reading Time: < 1 minute Chicago | Reuters — JBS USA on Monday halted production at a Nebraska beef plant that slaughters about five per cent of U.S. cattle due to a fire, but said the company expects to resume operations on Tuesday. The temporary closure highlighted concerns among lawmakers and ranchers that the U.S. is vulnerable to supply disruptions […] Read more
China’s buyers expect Brazil’s beef back soon despite BSE cases
Reading Time: 2 minutes Beijing | Reuters — Chinese beef importers said Monday the suspension of exports by top supplier Brazil due to two cases of BSE has had no immediate market impact, with some still making purchases in anticipation of a quick resumption of trade. Brazil said on Saturday it had confirmed two cases of ‘atypical’ bovine spongiform […] Read more
Klassen: Optimistic fed cattle outlook supports feeder market
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$4 higher. Strong demand was noted on yearlings, which spilt over into the lighter weight categories. Major feedlot operators in Alberta set the price structure, with aggressive orders flowing across the Prairies. Some operators have been holding back on purchases due to higher prices; however, […] Read more
Brazil’s ag ministry investigating suspected BSE case
Evidence suggests 'atypical' BSE, source says
Reading Time: < 1 minute Sao Paulo | Reuters — Brazil’s agriculture ministry said Wednesday it was investigating a suspected case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the country, according to a statement. An industry source told Reuters, on condition of anonymity, that the suspected case occurred in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. The ministry said such investigations are […] Read more
Argentina extends beef export cap, stoking farm tensions
Move seen as 'giving markets to other countries'
Reading Time: 2 minutes Buenos Aires | Reuters — Argentina extended beef export restrictions until the end of October on Tuesday, stoking tensions with the powerful farm sector as the government seeks to bolster domestic meat supply to help contain rising food prices. The move comes months before key mid-term elections, with centre-left President Alberto Fernandez keen to avoid […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger live cattle futures lift yearling market
Recent rains rejuvenate Prairie pastures
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were quoted $3 to as much as $6 higher; calf markets once again traded $3-$5 on either side of unchanged depending on the region. Unbridled buying interest was noted on larger groups of high-quality yearlings. Despite the grass conditions this summer, cattle characteristics are rated above average […] Read more
Singapore clears all Canadian beef for import
Country first to lift BSE-era restrictions under new status
Reading Time: 3 minutes Canada’s new official international status as a “negligible risk” country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy now has its first recognition from a beef-importing nation. Singapore has approved the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s certificate for exports of all Canadian beef, including beef offal, with no restrictions on the age of the cattle from which the beef was […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
