Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were up $1-$3 on average last week as major feedlot operators were more aggressive to secure nearby supplies. Steers in the range of 700 to 800 pounds averaged $140 per hundredweight (cwt); yearlings in the 800- to 900-pound category averaged $130-$132/cwt while replacement cattle over 900 pounds brought back $125/cwt. […] Read more
Klassen: Prairie feeder prices strengthen, U.S. prices soften
Klassen: Feeder cattle market poised to consolidate
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 lower last week as weaker fed cattle prices and stronger feedgrain values set a negative tone. Wholesale beef prices have come under pressure due to weaker consumer confidence and softer equity values. Labour Day beef demand was somewhat disappointing and retailers were discounting ground beef in […] Read more
MARKET TALK – for Sep. 12, 2011
The equity markets have been quite volatile over the past month as we have seen the Dow Jones Industrial Average swing over 400 points quite regularly. I ve received many inquiries from cattle producers asking how this will influence cattle prices in the upcoming fall period. We all remember the stock market meltdown during the […] Read more
Klassen: Feedgrain costs influence feeder prices
Western Canadian yearling prices were $2 higher to $3 lower in comparison to seven days earlier, while feeder cattle under 700 pounds were relatively unchanged. Major feedlots continue to set the tone, paying light premiums for good-quality age-verified cattle. This caused an uneven tone and regional differences were also noted. Prices in southern Alberta were […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices stay firm
Feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 higher on average across Western Canada last week. Feedlot demand was healthy for all weight categories with lighter calves moving into custom backgrounding operations. In southern Alberta, a group of 220 large-frame Charolais-cross steers averaging 805 pounds sold for $136 per hundredweight (cwt). On average steers weighing 700 […] Read more
Klassen: Yearling prices soften on record U.S. placements
Yearling prices were steady to $2 per hundredweight lower on average last week while calves were steady to $2 higher. Shortkeep steers came under pressure as the industry anticipated record-large U.S. feedlot placements during July. Feedlot demand started to subside given the uncertainty in the fed market. However, by the end of the week, Alberta […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle strengthen on larger volume
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher on average last week. Volumes are starting to increase at most auction barns now that the yearling run is well underway. Labour Day demand and a weak Canadian dollar caused Alberta fed steers to reach a high of $107/cwt, up $3-$4/cwt. Strength […] Read more
Canadian Barley Outlook
Cash barley values in southern Alberta have softened over the past month as feedlot bids range from $195 to $198, which is down from the highs of $210 earlier in spring. I’ve had many inquiries from feedlot operators in regards to the price outlook for the 2011-12 crop year. At this time, there are still […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle hold value despite equity market meltdown
Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were $3 per hundredweight lower to $3 higher in comparison to week-ago levels. Early in the week, the downward slide in the equity markets had cattle buyers on the defensive. However, by Friday, Alberta fed cattle prices were $4 to $5 higher in comparison to seven days earlier and […] Read more
Klassen: U.S. economy, stronger feedgrains weigh on feeders
Feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 per hundredweight (cwt) softer last week. Auction rings saw limited number of cattle come through and many buyers were still in holiday mode. In southern Alberta 600- to 700-pound steers averaged $142/cwt while demand was stronger for 700- to 800-pound cattle which averaged $133/cwt. Heavier replacement cattle were […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
