(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


Chickpeas. (CalypsoArt/iStock/Getty Images)

Pulse weekly outlook: Chickpeas recover from previous lows

Reading Time: < 1 minute MarketsFarm — Chickpea prices have recovered slightly from lows hit around the end of 2019, but they’re still a long way off historic highs from years past. Ahead of the 2018 growing season, chickpea prices were around 50 to 60 cents/lb. for growers, according to Darwin Hamilton of Kalshea Commodities in Winnipeg. Currently, large chickpea […] Read more

File photo of a pea crop south of Ethelton, Sask. on Aug. 1, 2019. (Dave Bedard photo)

Pulse weekly outlook: Dry pea prices remain firm

Acres expected down from 2019

Reading Time: < 1 minute MarketsFarm — Prices for green and yellow dry peas remain fairly good, according to Dale McManus of Johnston Grains at Welwyn, Sask. Green peas are currently $10-$11 per bushel, which he said is a decent price; he also expects green pea acres to remain steady in 2020 compared to the previous year. The price for […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market jumps on renewed optimism

Weekly slaughter pace improving

Reading Time: 2 minutes Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle over 800 lbs. traded $8-$10 higher while lighter weight categories were up $4 to as much as $12 in some cases. Feeder cattle under 800 lbs. were very well bid across the Prairies; feeder cattle under 700 lbs. are now trading at prices similar to late February, […] Read more



File photo of a sunflower crop in Manitoba. (MysticEnergy/Getty Images)

Bigger sunflower crop expected for 2020

Reading Time: < 1 minute MarketsFarm — Canada will likely see its largest sunflower crop in a number of years in 2020 if weather conditions co-operate, as good end-user demand and solid returns for growers generate increased interest in the crop. Canadian farmers intend to seed 104,400 acres of sunflowers this spring, which would be up 36 per cent on […] Read more