Average western Canadian feeder prices were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels; however, the yearling market in southern Alberta traded $3-$5 higher as feedlot operators focused on sourcing local cattle. High-quality yearlings are coming on the market and steady demand was evident across the Prairies. Strength in the deferred live cattle futures along with the deterioration […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market waiting for direction
Klassen: Feeder market reflects vulnerability
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded within $5 on either side of unchanged. Strength was noted in the major feeding regions of Alberta while subdued buying interest was noted in other regions of the Prairies. Major operations focused on local cattle, especially in southern Alberta. Feature sales attracted larger crowds which enhanced […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market softens
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$5 lower on average while calf markets were relatively unchanged. Weakness in deferred live cattle futures, along with stronger barley prices, set a negative tone. Most of the Prairies have received less than 40 per cent of normal precipitation over the last 30 days, but this […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market eyes feed grain prices
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets were $4 on either side of unchanged and the market was quite variable across the Prairies. Strength was noted early in the week but feedlot operators pulled in the reins on Thursday and Friday. Strength in the barley market along with lower feeder cattle prices south of […] Read more
Barley market digesting many variables
Market Talk with Jerry Klassen
I’ve received many inquiries from feedlot operators and cow-calf producers with regard to the price outlook for barley. During the 2017-18 crop year, the barley market was contending with lower production and a historically tight carry-out. The function of the market was to ration. Domestic prices were at a premium to export values to curb […] Read more
Klassen: Strong demand drives yearlings higher
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 higher, with quality packages advancing $4-$6. Feedlot operators shrugged off the weaker live cattle futures as feed grain prices came under pressure. Cattle brokers were carrying a full deck of orders, which allowed for limited slippage. Feedlots are anxious to secure ownership early in the […] Read more
Klassen: Small volumes characterize feeder cattle market
It’s that time of year when the feeder cattle market experiences a calm before the storm. The fall run will get underway over the next three weeks and recent market activity appears to be quite positive. Last week, yearlings and calves traded $3 on either side of unchanged compared to seven days earlier. However, larger […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger beef demand underpins feeder market
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling markets traded $2 to $4 higher on average while calves were relatively unchanged. It appears that yearling supplies could be down 2 per cent to 4 per cent this fall which has feedlots being more aggressive early in the season. Major markets in Alberta led the charge higher […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market jumps on optimistic outlook
Western Canadian yearling prices were slightly softer during the second week of July, due to the historical high weekly marketings of feeder cattle south of the border; however, the market fully recovered last week. Feeder cattle prices tend to make a seasonal high in late July and this year is no exception. Market reports in […] Read more
Klassen: Large U.S. supplies weigh on Canadian feeder market
Compared to last week, feeder cattle prices were down $3 to as much as $6 across all weight categories. Most auction barns were closed last week for summer holidays and only small volumes traded in the key regions of Alberta. Feedyards are also running a skeleton crew, providing some much-needed time off after a busy […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
