CME September 2020 feeder cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

Klassen: Strong demand underpins yearlings

Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, yearlings traded steady to $4 higher on average; calves traded $2-$4 lower, although light volumes made the market hard to define. All eyes were on feeder cattle futures, which closed up nearly $4 for the week. This set the direction in Western Canada. Auction barns in Manitoba and Saskatchewan remain in […] Read more



CME October 2020 feeder cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder market looking firm for fall

Reading Time: 2 minutes The western Canadian feeder market was hard to define last week due to the small volumes. Small groups under 10 head were quite common and in many cases, one to three head were running through the ring. Discounts were quite severe on these stragglers; however, quality feeder cattle traded at similar levels to last week. […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market in summer mode

Set-aside program not having much effect yet on prices

Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged. Volumes are quite thin at this time of year, which makes the market hard to define. Steady demand surfaced on quality groups of yearlings and calves, while late stragglers and heavier-flesh feeders were severely discounted. Pasture conditions are favourable across the Prairies and […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market searching for direction

Feedlots expecting barley prices to drop

Reading Time: 2 minutes Western Canadian feeder cattle prices continue to trade in a sideways pattern. Compared to last week, prices were quoted $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Most auction barns were on holidays last week and arenas that did hold sales experienced limited volumes. Therefore, the market was hard to define. U.S. feeder cattle markets were steady […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market grinds lower

Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $4 lower on average. Small packages were available and buyers were picking away with subdued interest. There were some “green” strings of yearlings in Alberta and Saskatchewan which were well bid; however, most cattle were characterized by medium to smaller frames. Some of […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Weaker fed cattle prices weigh on feeder market

Rain-soaked pens sidelined some Alberta feedlots

Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged but a softer tone was noted in the non-major feeding regions. Most auction barns are in summer mode and the quality of feeders coming on the market is quite variable. However, at major centers in Alberta, healthy strings of yearlings were well bid […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Canadian feeder market divorces from U.S. values

Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged. Lower volumes were on offer across the Prairies and the quality was quite variable at smaller sales. Many auction barns are in summer mode; however, there were decent volumes in the major feeding regions of Alberta. Strong feedlot demand was evident on quality […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market recovery continues

Strength in fed cattle prices the main driver

Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $6-$8 higher on average while calves were unchanged to $4 higher. Strength in fed cattle prices was the main factor driving the feeder cattle market this week. Alberta direct fed cattle sales were reported on a live basis from $150 to $153 f.o.b. the feedlot, up […] Read more