Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices traded $2-$4 higher; prices for mid-weight calves were quoted $4-$8 above week-ago levels. Calves under 550 lbs. traded $6 to as much as $10 higher compared to seven days earlier. Improving feedlot margins were the main factor driving the feeder market. June and August live cattle futures […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market bounces on optimistic outlook
Feed barley remains near historical highs
Klassen: Feeder cattle demand improving
Reading Time: 2 minutes The feeder market received a shot of adrenaline last week as corn futures came under pressure while live cattle futures surged. During the first half of the week, western Canadian yearlings were quite sluggish and calf prices steady to $3 lower compared to seven days earlier. Some yearling packages moving direct off-farm in certain areas […] Read more
Ontario calls off final intake for beef set-aside
'Threshold not met' for further cattle intake
Reading Time: < 1 minute Ontario has called off the last intake for its federal/provincial beef cattle set-aside program. The Beef Emergency Feed Maintenance Initiative, an AgriRecovery program launched after the temporary shutdown of Cargill’s beef slaughter plant at Guelph, was to have its “final potential intake week” opening Monday (Jan. 18), for cattle to be set aside starting Jan. […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market in price-discovery phase
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, Alberta feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged while Manitoba and Saskatchewan prices were down $2 to as much as $5 in some cases. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $248-$250, up $4-$5 from last week. Strength in the fed cattle market spilt over […] Read more
Klassen: Higher feed grain prices continue to pressure feeders
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to mid-December, western Canadian yearlings traded $3-$5 lower; mid-weight calves are down $4-$6 while calves under 550 lbs. remained firm. Buyers exhibited a defensive tone on heavier yearlings and discounts were more severe on fleshier cattle last week. There is absolutely no risk appetite for 850-plus-lb. cattle at this time of year. Demand for […] Read more
Cattle set-aside programs winding down
Final enrolment deadlines set for Saskatchewan, Alberta programs
Reading Time: < 1 minute AgriRecovery programs set up in Saskatchewan and Alberta to help cover feed costs for cattle producers unable to ship livestock to slaughter are gearing down, while Ontario’s program begins a third intake. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp. announced Friday that the province’s AgriRecovery set-aside program will end March 31, 2021, with Jan. 19 now set as […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices digesting uncertainty
Defensive tone likely through January
Reading Time: 2 minutes The feeder cattle market was very quiet during the last week of December with auction barns in holiday mode. There were discussions regarding direct sales but no actual business was confirmed. The stakes are too high given the market uncertainty; a defensive tone will likely continue throughout January. Feed grains continue to percolate higher; the […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Live cattle futures ease as corn prices soar, raising feed costs
Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters – U.S. live cattle futures declined on Wednesday for a second session as surging corn prices signaled rising feed costs and pressured feeder cattle futures, traders said. Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) February live cattle futures settled down 0.125 cent at 114.450 cents per pound, while CME March feeder cattle tumbled 1.475 cents […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Live cattle futures retreat as Wall Street dips, feed costs rise
Reading Time: < 1 minute Chicago | Reuters – U.S. cattle futures retreated on Tuesday after hitting a near three-month high in the previous session as rising feed costs and a downturn in equities markets triggered selling. Cattle futures have firmed in recent days as hopes for an economic stimulus deal in Washington overshadowed worries about restaurant closures and travel […] Read more
Klassen: Lighter calves end year on positive tone
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $2 lower to $3 higher depending on the region. Many auction markets were in holiday mode last week and thinner volumes made the market harder to define. Generally speaking, the market was supported by stronger deferred live cattle futures and a slightly weaker Canadian dollar; […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
