Photo: Canada Beef

Stronger demand and lower supplies boost price

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

The December live cattle futures made a low of $173.50 on September 9. At the time of writing this article, the December contract was $189. During September and October, the live cattle futures rallied about $16. In the U.S., the four largest packing firms handle 85 per cent of all steer and heifer purchases. Apparently, […] Read more




‘Don’t pay for analysis that has no influence or minor influence on the cattle market.’ – Jerry Klassen

What is market analysis for the cattle producer?

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

When I provide cattle or grain market outlooks for a producer group or specific organization, I start the presentation by asking how many of the attendees subscribe to some type of market analysis. It is no surprise that there is usually a handful of people who put up their hands. Often cattle producers will say […] Read more






(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Western Canadian calf market surges

For the week ending 26, Western Canadian calf markets were up $8-$12/cwt on average compared to seven days earlier. Pee-wee calves were up $20-$25/cwt compared to the prior week. Finishing feedlot operators were active buyers in all weight categories while backgrounders were cleaning up on smaller packages of calves under 550 pounds. 


Barley market fundamentals look tight for 2024-25

Barley market fundamentals look tight for 2024-25

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

Earlier in the summer, we were expecting a year-over-year increase in Canadian barley production. Acreage projections were above year-ago levels and up until June 30, most of Western Canada had received above-normal precipitation. Both acreage and yield projections have reversed course. Canadian barley seeded area for the 2024 campaign was down nearly one million acres from […] Read more

Photo: Canada Beef Inc.

Klassen: Canadian feeder markets trades premium to U.S. values

For the week ending October 19, Western Canadian yearling markets traded $3 to $5 on either side of unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Calf prices were $5 to as much as $10 higher.  Strength in the deferred live cattle futures along with the weaker Canadian dollar has resulted in positive margins on incoming calves. Therefore, the calf market has developed a floor price.