Jerry Klassen

Western Canadian feeder cattle continue to drift lower amid higher feed costs and softer fed cattle prices. The barley harvest has started in Manitoba and will be more widespread in a couple of weeks. However, feed prices remain near historical highs. U.S. values were down $3/cwt to $5/cwt on average as ongoing drought conditions plague […] Read more

U.S. feeder cattle prices were $4 to $8 per hundredweight (cwt) lower last week, which spilled over into western Canadian markets. Western Canadian prices were down $2-$4/cwt on average with little volume defining the price structure. Most of Western Canada has received greater than 125 per cent of normal precipitation over the past 60 days, […] Read more

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were down $4-$5 on average on very light volume sales. Pasture conditions are very good across the Prairies, limiting the number of replacement cattle coming on the market. Most auction markets are also in summer holiday mode and many buyers are on holidays. Cash barley prices in southern Alberta jumped […] Read more

Thin volumes characterized last week’s feeder cattle market, with most action markets in summer holiday mode. Western Canadian prices were led lower by the U.S. market, which was under severe pressure due to stronger corn prices. Record temperatures were recorded in over 250 U.S. cities last week and the forecast calls for above-normal temperatures and […] Read more

Rising corn futures, European economic turmoil and passive consumption patterns have strained feeder prices. Cattle futures dropped faster than a power window last week, with traders squealing about changing market conditions. It was not long ago that upside was unlimited and the world would run out of beef. My brother sold backgrounded heifers last week […] Read more

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $2-$3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher on average last week. Auction market volumes have been declining, but steady feedlot demand and the weaker Canadian dollar have supported the feeder market. Major feedlots are moving through a massive liquidation phase of fall-placed calves and margins have been fairly positive on these […] Read more

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady last week with week-ago levels, with grass cattle trading $2-$4 per hundredweight (cwt) higher. The market in general is experiencing lower volumes with steady demand. Despite the weaker economic situation, fed cattle prices appear to be stabilizing, with the deferred live cattle futures factoring in lower production for […] Read more

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 per hundredweight higher last week. The weaker Canadian dollar, along with steady feedlot demand set a firmer tone. Favourable rains over the past couple weeks have also enhanced demand for grass cattle. Feedlots are moving a large amount of fed cattle at this time of year; […] Read more