Reading Time: 2minutes 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.
Reading Time: 2minutes 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.
Reading Time: 2minutes 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.
Reading Time: 2minutes 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.
Reading Time: 2minutes 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.
Reading Time: 2minutes 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.
Reading Time: 2minutes 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.
Reading Time: 2minutes 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.
Reading Time: 2minutes For the week ending July 20, Western Canadian yearlings traded $8-$15 above prices from seven days earlier. Values for larger groups of quality calves were up $8 to $10 from a week earlier while run of the mill smaller packages were relatively unchanged.
Reading Time: 2minutes For the week ending July 2, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier for larger packages. Small groups of 800-pound-plus cattle were $10 to $15 discounted to pen-sized lots. Calf markets were relatively unchanged from the prior week, although volume was limited. There is significant open demand for yearlings and finishing feedlot operators are watching how prices develop.