CME May 2019 feeder cattle with Bollinger (20,2) bands, a gauge of market volatility. (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder market incorporates risk premium following U.S. floods

Compared to the previous week, western Canadian feeder cattle sold steady to $4 higher the week ending March 23. Favourable spring weather enhanced demand for yearlings from major finishing operations; Lethbridge-area markets were notably $3-$5 higher as feedlots focused on local cattle. While feeding margins remain in negative territory, strength in the deferred live cattle […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Feed weekly outlook: Spring weather may swing Prairie feed markets

MarketsFarm — Weather conditions have the potential to swing feed grain markets in Western Canada over the next few weeks, although prices generally remain steady for the time being. “Spring is here, and as the snow melts it creates mud, road bans and all that lovely stuff,” said Brandon Motz of CorNine Commodities in Lacombe, […] Read more



CME April 2019 live cattle, with August 2019 live cattle in brown. (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder market holds value

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Buying interest for yearlings was somewhat stronger while calves in the eastern Prairie regions were softer. Moderate temperatures are in the seven-day forecast for most of Western Canada, so the risk discount due to adverse weather has evaporated. Barley jumped an additional […] Read more


Testing for falling number. (Canadian Grain Commission photo)

Grain grading revamp may add falling number, DON as factors

Two significant grain specs that aren’t yet factors for a crop’s official grade are now under consideration to join that official list. The Canadian Grain Commission on Monday put out a call for “grain sector stakeholders” to submit their views before May 10 on a proposal for falling number and deoxynivalenol (DON) to both become […] Read more



The barley market needs to encourage acreage for 2019.

Feed barley update

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

The feed barley market has been relatively flat throughout the winter. During the last week of January, Lethbridge-area feedlots were buying feed barley in the range of $255/mt to $260/mt delivered. At the same time, central Alberta feedlots were making purchases from $245/mt to $250/mt. Barley stocks are projected to drop to historical lows by […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market sends mixed signals

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets were steady to $4 lower while calves were steady to $2 higher. Barley prices have jumped $3-$6 per tonne over the past week, with winter conditions hindering off-farm logistics. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $149-$150 last week; however, in Nebraska, fed cattle […] Read more