For the week ending April 4, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable. Backgrounded replacements were relatively unchanged, however fleshier groups experienced sharper discounts compared to a week earlier. Genetic quality appeared to influence the market on a larger scale for feeders under 700 pounds. Medium to larger frame preconditioned calves appeared to trade […] Read more
Klassen: Negative margins weigh on Western feeder cattle market
Klassen: Feeder cattle market continues consolidation
For the week ending March 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle market once again traded $10/cwt higher to $10/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. Backgrounded replacements were down $3-$6/cwt on average with fleshier groups dropping as much as $6-$10/cwt. Calves were quite variable across the Prairies due to limited numbers. There was strong demand for […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger barley prices weigh on feeder cattle values
For the week ending March 21, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $10/cwt higher to $10/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. Backgrounded replacements were quite variable with sharper discounts noted on fleshier groups. The heifer discount to steers appeared to be wider in some cases but it was largely based on quality features. Calves […] Read more
Barley market poised to strengthen
Market Talk: Despite expected larger ending stocks, we’re expecting the barley market to percolate higher over the next couple of months
Barley production below the 10-year average will cause prices to trade above their 10-year average, Jerry Klassen writes, noting the barley market cannot afford a 2026 crop problem.
Klassen: Weaker fed markets add fear to feeder prices
For the week ending March 14, Western Canadian yearlings and backgrounded cattle traded $10 to $15 lower on average compared to seven days earlier. Calves were unchanged to $10/cwt lower on average. Weakness in the nearby and deferred live cattle prices along with strength in the barley market resulted in a negative tone for the […] Read more
Klassen: Western Canadian feeder market incorporates risk discount
For the week ending March 7, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $5-$10/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. The market held value on Monday and Tuesday but then softened in the latter part of the week. Strength in the feed grains complex along with weaker deferred live cattle futures set a negative tone. Feedlot […] Read more
Klassen: Strong demand underpins Western Canadian feeder market
For the week ending February 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged from seven days earlier. Calves may have traded $5-$10/cwt higher at some locations. Feeding margins have improved over the past week with Southern Alberta pen-closeouts now hovering near breakeven. Ontario feedlot margins are in positive territory by $20-$40/head. At the Ponoka video […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market remains firm
For the week ending February 21, Western Canadian markets for yearlings or backgrounded cattle traded steady to $10/cwt higher. The calf market was mixed with values quoted $5 higher to $10/cwt lower. Feedlot margins appear to be improving in the short-term which supported the yearling market. Extremely cold temperatures across most of Alberta may have […] Read more
Inflation, interest rates and cattle prices
Cattle markets, past, present and future
Cow-calf producers tend to contract their herds during economic recessions and expand their operations when the North American economy is at the peak of growth potential, but they should be doing the opposite.
Klassen: Feeder market eyes fed cattle for direction
For the week ending February 14, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. The deferred live cattle futures have been consolidating in a narrow range over the past month, which has limited the upside in the feeder complex. Supplies of yearlings or replacements over 800 pounds are increasing as […] Read more
