Reading Time: 2 minutes Strength in the deferred live cattle futures has spilt over into the feeder complex. Alberta and Saskatchewan placements in the lighter weight categories are down from year-ago levels which is resulting in stronger Alberta fed cattle basis levels for next spring. These are the main factors influencing the calf markets in Western Canada.
Klassen: Western Canadian calf markets percolate higher
Klassen: Western Canadian feeder market demand remains firm
Reading Time: 2 minutes Ontario buying interest was evident in Manitoba yearling markets. U.S. buyers were more interested in lighter calves and were shopping for pre-conditioned groups of sizeable volume. Certain finishing operators in Alberta were more aggressive on grass yearlings after waiting for lower prices earlier in the season.
Klassen: Discounts start to appear in the feeder market
Reading Time: 2 minutes For the week ending September 14, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. However, yearling quality has become quite variable resulting in a diverse price structure.
Klassen: Feeder cattle markets in price discovery mode
Reading Time: 2 minutes For the week ending September 7, Western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $5/cwt higher in Alberta but steady to $6/cwt lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba compared to seven days earlier. Major feedlots in Alberta appear to be focusing on local cattle. The calf market is in price discovery mode with prices quoted $10/cwt higher to $10/cwt lower.
ICE Weekly: StatCan report puts a stop to canola’s rally
Reading Time: 2 minutes Canola prices at the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) were on the rise for most of the week ended Aug. 28, until the release of Statistics Canada’s (StatCan) production estimates for the 2024-25 crop year on Aug. 28.
Klassen: Larger supplies weigh on feeder market
Reading Time: 2 minutes For the week ending August 24, Western Canadian yearling prices were down $6-$12/cwt from seven days earlier. Calf markets traded $10-$12/cwt below week-ago levels. Larger numbers are coming on stream resulting in the softer tone.
Klassen: Yearling market softens on economic uncertainty
Reading Time: 2 minutes For the week ending August 17, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $3-$5 lower on average. Three weeks ago, 1,000 pound steers off grass reached up to $340/cwt. This past week, these same cattle were quoted in the range of $315-$325/cwt.
Klassen: Feeder market holds value amid economic uncertainty
Reading Time: 2 minutes Overall, the calf market appeared to be more sensitive to the weakness in the deferred live cattle futures while buyers of yearlings were focused on securing ownership. Ideas are that yearling supplies are down from year-ago levels and scarcity factor is driving the bullish enthusiasm.
Klassen: Feeder rally stalls
Reading Time: 2 minutes For the week ending August 3, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. Strong buying interest continued on yearlings straight off grass; however, the “just get’em” type orders that were evident a week earlier now had limits. More cattle will come available in August and buyers are being more patient to see how the market develops.
Klassen: Western Canadian yearling prices hit fresh record highs
Reading Time: 2 minutes The year-over-year decline in last year’s calf crop has caused the market to set new records. Larger finishing feedlots are setting the price structure as many of these lots have seasonal low inventory. The quality of yearlings coming off grass is excellent with buyers shopping for feed efficiencies.
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
