Market analyst Jerry Klassen explains what fewer barley acres means for Canadian cattle feeders in 2025-26, and other factors playing into the feed grain market.
As Canadian farmers plant less barley in 2025, what does it mean for cattle feeders?
Market analyst Jerry Klassen explains what fewer barley acres means for Canadian cattle feeders in 2025-26, and other factors playing into the feed grain market.
Klassen: Feeder market in price discovery mode
For the week ending August 2, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $10 higher. Quality yearling packages off grass were up as much as $15 in some cases. Prices for similar weight cattle were quite variable across the Prairies, which made the market hard to define. The market appears to be in price discovery mode for the grass yearling market.
Canadian farmers plant less barley in 2025
Market Talk with Jerry Klassen
I’ve received many inquiries from cattle producers about the feed grain outlook for the 2025-26 crop year. Cow-calf producers have sold a record number of calves and yearlings for fall delivery. Feedlot operators are factoring in a fairly aggressive cost per pound gain in anticipation of larger feed grain supplies this fall. Following is a […] Read more
Klassen: Lower U.S. calf crop supports Canadian feeder cattle market
For the week ending July 26, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. Yearlings off grass weighing 900 pounds plus were very strong and may have been up $3 to $5 from the previous week.
Klassen: Lower feed grain prices set to enhance feeder cattle prices
For the week ending July 19, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged from the previous week, although volumes were limited.
Klassen: Western Canadian calf markets surge on New World screwworm fears
For the week ending July 12, Western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier. Calves weighing 550-800 pounds were quoted $5 lower to as much as $10 higher.
Klassen: Feeder market may have overextended to the upside
For the week ending July 4, there were no feeder cattle sales in Western Canada due to holidays on July 1 and July 4. Major auction markets in the U.S. were also closed or had limited numbers on offer. Prices quoted from south of the border were steady to $4 higher on average but the market was hard to define.
Klassen: Feeder market eyes deferred delivery prices
For the week ending June 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Volumes moving through the ring were limited and the quality was quite variable.
Klassen: Feeder market rally stalls on softer fed cattle market
For the week ending June 21, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were unchanged to $10 lower on average compared to seven days earlier. However, prices for August and September delivery were unchanged from the previous week.
Klassen: Feeder market follows wholesale beef higher
For the week ending June 13, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Steady demand underpinned a week of lower auction market volumes.
