Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were $1 to $2 higher despite the weaker tone in other commodity markets. Fed cattle were steady to $1 lower causing feedlot buying interest to remain strong throughout the week. Healthy feeding margins along with weakness in the corn market appeared to override the Japanese demand uncertainty. In central Alberta, […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle hold value
MARKET TALK – for Mar. 14, 2011
I’ve had many inquiries over the past couple months in regards to the U.S. cattle cycle. Prices for feeder cattle have reached historical highs and cow-calf producers are wondering when U.S. cattleman will respond to the price signal and start moving into the expansion phase of production. The USDA cattle inventory report issued last month […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle remain strong despite Japanese uncertainty
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices jumped $3 to $5 per hundredweight last week. Healthy feedlot margins, along with weakness in the corn market, set a positive tone for replacement cattle. Feedlot managers are particularly interested in lightweight feeders that will be marketed in the fourth quarter. Lower beef production in the latter half of 2011 […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder prices consolidate
Feeder steers weighing 525 pounds brought back $160 per hundredweight last week in central Alberta as feedlot buyers continue to be aggressive with nearby purchases. Overall, the feeder market was $1 to $3 higher across Western Canada. Anticipated strength in the fed cattle market for the September through December timeframe is driving demand for lightweight […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices stalling
Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were steady with week-ago levels as the market appears to be losing upward momentum. Cattle weighing 500 to 600 pounds were averaging $168 in southern Alberta, which is marginally lower than a week earlier. Above-normal precipitation throughout the winter will result in stronger demand for grass cattle. Some of […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle remain firm
Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were steady to slightly higher in comparison to week-ago levels. Auction market volumes or feedlot placements appear to be increasing as fall-backgrounded calves come on the market. Steers just over 500 pounds touched the $170 per hundredweight (cwt) level in southern Alberta; 6-weight cattle were also quite firm, selling […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle hold value
Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were steady with week-ago levels. Feeder steers weighing 565 pounds sold for $155 in central Alberta; 725-pound steers moved at $138 in southern Alberta. Top prices for 700- to 750-pound feeder steers were $130 to $135 per hundredweight in central Saskatchewan while the Manitoba market was slightly softer with […] Read more
MARKET TALK – for Feb. 14, 2011
Feeder cattle prices have reached historical highs and I’ve had many inquiries from producers regarding the potential upside. The old law of physics stating that an “object in motion tends to stay in motion until acted upon by an opposing force” appears to be the theme going forward. Therefore, we have to look at the […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle edge higher
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $2 to $4 per hundredweight higher on average in comparison to week-ago levels. Fed cattle edged up $1-$2/cwt, reaching $107/cwt, which provided a firm tone in the feeder complex. Early “fall backgrounded calves” started to come on the market last week and there was also a buildup of cattle […] Read more
Klassen: USDA report strikes bearish tone
Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were expected to start last week on a softer tone, due to the bearish U.S. Department of Agriculture cattle on feed report. However, replacement cattle traded $2 to $4 higher on average, with solid demand for all weight categories. Steer calves weighing just over 600 pounds brought back $148 […] Read more