Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian prices for yearlings weighing 800 lbs. and over were unchanged; however, calves and yearlings in the 600- to 800-lb. category traded steady to $3 higher. The calf market was hard to define due to small groups of various quality. Strength in deferred live cattle futures along with the weaker […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market stays firm
Feed weekly outlook: Heat reducing potential yields, raising prices
Reading Time: 2 minutes MarketsFarm — The hot and dry summer that has enveloped all of Western Canada is already bringing down projected yields for feed grains, creating an inverse effect on prices. “We’re losing the crop here right now with the heat and lack of moisture across the Prairies and the northern Plains of the United States,” said […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market consolidates
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. In central and southern Alberta, quality yearling steers weighing 800 lbs. continue to hover at the psychological range of $200-$210; lower-flesh steers fresh off grass weighing 900 lbs. are readily quoted in the range of $185-$190. Saskatchewan values are […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Alberta feed prices rising
Reading Time: 2 minutes MarketsFarm — Higher-than-normal temperatures and continued demand for feed have caused prices for Alberta feed barley and feed wheat to increase over the past few weeks. However, that demand has pulled back somewhat. According to Prairie Ag Hotwire data from Wednesday, high-delivered bids for Alberta feed barley were at $7.84 per bushel, 48 cents higher […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Live cattle futures, boxed beef prices drop
Average hog weights down on week
Reading Time: < 1 minute Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures approached a four-week low on Wednesday as U.S. beef prices declined. The drop in futures extended a four per cent setback from a contract high that most-active August live cattle reached last month. Prices for beef shipped to wholesale buyers in large boxes have also […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market calm but firm
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were unchanged. Most auction markets were closed due to Canada Day. It’s been a busy spring period; there is no doubt about it. Pastures are quickly deteriorating under the intense heat and many ranchers will sell yearlings 30-45 days sooner than normal. The good news is […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Prices dip in Alberta, steady to higher elsewhere
Reading Time: < 1 minute MarketsFarm — Prices for feed barley and wheat in Alberta pulled back a little this week — and it wasn’t because the province has generally received more rain than the other two Prairie provinces. “There hasn’t been the demand as we typically have at this time of year,” Erin Harakal, senior trader with Agfinity in […] Read more
Klassen: Yearling prices consolidate, calf values soften
Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged; however, calves weighing 500 to 700 lbs. were $2-$4 lower. Featherlight bawlers under 500 lbs. were down $6-$8 from seven days earlier. Strong feedlot buying interest supported quality groups of yearlings. Feed barley prices were down $5-$10 per tonne from last week while the […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: New-crop prices to rise
Reading Time: < 1 minute MarketsFarm — Well covered with grain for now, feedlots are beginning to set their sights on the new crop. Drought conditions on the Prairies and the U.S. northern Plains are causing new-crop feed wheat and feed barley prices to go up, according to a Saskatchewan-based trader. “Demand for old crop (is) dwindling and the focus […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Rains, demand keep bids down
Reading Time: < 1 minute MarketsFarm — While recent wet weather on the Prairies has helped bring down prices for feed grains, demand — or a lack thereof — has been another primary factor. “The rains have definitely affected (prices) a bit, but probably not to the extent demand has,” said Erin Harakal, trade manager for Agfinity at Stony Plain, […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
