For the week ending October 4, Western Canadian grass yearling markets traded steady to $5-$8/cwt lower on average compared to seven days earlier. Backgrounded yearlings were down $5-$12/cwt. Calf markets were down $5 to $10/cwt from a week earlier.
There was an influx of calves over the past week which resulted in the softer tone to the overall feeder complex. The highs are likely in place for the feeder market. The weaker fed cattle market and softer deferred live cattle futures contributed to the lower bids for all weight categories. Feedlot operators are concerned that margins will be in negative territory for the spring and summer of 2026 so they’re lowering bids for replacements.
At the VJV Ponoka sale, a small package of mixed (exotic) steers off grass with full processing data averaging 1,015 pounds traded for $457/cwt. The TEAM video auction had 55 red heifers with a mean weight of 1,012 pounds off grass valued at $429/cwt fob Picture Butte.
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A rancher reported that 45 Angus cross yearling steers off grass averaging 950 pounds sold for $465 in Central Alberta. The Team video auction had a group of 200 black steers with a base weight of 925 pounds on silage ration targeting 2.2 lbs/day selling for $461 fob feedlot for March 15, 2026 delivery. The VJV Dawson Creek market report had Simmental steer calves evaluated at 885 pounds off cows and grass on the full herd health program priced at $489/cwt
The Ste Rose Auction Mart report had a smaller package of black yearling grass fed steers averaging 813 pounds trading for $564/cwt. The Killarney Auction had a small package of Angus steers weighing 785 pounds valued at $587/cwt. In Central Alberta, a smaller package of larger frame, yearling Simmental cross heifers off grass averaging just over 800 pounds apparently moved off farm at $484/cwt.
Northern Livestock Sales at Lloydminster reported that a package of 16 tan steer calves weighing 708 pounds sold for $584/cwt. A farmer in Central Alberta reported that 700-pound Charolais Simmental cross weaned heifer calves traded for $535 at a ring sale.
At the Vermillion Livestock Exchange ring sale, a group of 34 Charolais steers averaging 602 pounds were last bid at $645/cwt; Charolais heifers scaled at 632 pounds reportedly sold for $567/cwt.
The Team Auction Market Video Sale had black steers with a mean weight of 550 pounds with full processing data but no implants trading for $720 fob farm near Elkhorn, Manitoba for delivery February 4, 2026. Northern Livestock Sales at Prince Alberta had a smaller group of Charolais bawling steers scaled at 504 pounds let out of the ring at $735/cwt.
Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $508-$516/cwt delivered, down $9-$12 from last week. Using a 60 per cent grading, this equates to a live price of $305-$309/cwt. Wholesale beef choice beef closed at US$368/cwt. This is down $40/cwt from the August high. Beef demand appears to be slowing which is resulting in lower wholesale beef prices and weaker cattle prices.
