For the week ending July 26, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. Yearlings off grass weighing 900 pounds plus were very strong and may have been up $3 to $5 from the previous week. Volumes were limited and many auction barns are on summer holidays; however, there were a few feature sales last week which set the overall tone.
Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at an average price of $500/cwt delivered. Live cattle bids fob feedlot in Southern Alberta were reported in the range of $294-$295/cwt. Current breakeven pen-closeout values are in the range of $275-$280/cwt. Feedlot margins remain in positive territory which continues to be the main factor supporting the feeder complex.
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Pulse Weekly: Most lentil prices lower as focus changes to new crop
Lentil prices on the Canadian Prairies eased back during the week ended July 28, said Levon Sargsyan, broker with Johnston’s Grain. Sargsyan noted that’s due to the recent rains that brought relief to some of the dry areas of the region.
The Dryland Cattle auction market report from Veteran, Alberta, had black steers averaging 1,100 pounds off grass selling for $384/cwt and 972-pound steers off grass trading for $430. At the same sale, black heifers weighing 968 pounds were valued at $390. The Ponoka Market report had red mixed heifers averaging 1,013 pounds off grass selling for $382.
In central Saskatchewan, medium to larger frame red Angus cross steers weighing 820 pounds off grass were quoted at $475/cwt. In the same region, 730-pound Simmental cross, weaned steers off grass with a mean weight of 715 pounds reportedly sold for $505. In central Alberta, a smaller package of tan heifers averaging just over 700 pounds traded apparently sold for $445/cwt.
The Westlock Market report had a pair of red mixed steers weighing 652 pounds trading for $527. North of Calgary, a smaller package of tan heifers weighing 510 pounds apparently sold for $503.
The DLMS report had a larger group of 625 pound steer calves traded for $560/cwt northeast of Edmonton. Near Lanigan Saskatchewan, a pen-sized group of 500 pound steers were quoted at $659.
The USDA’s semi-annual Cattle Inventory Report estimated the 2025 calf crop at 33.1 million head, down 429,500 head from the 2024 calf output.
Some analysts are estimating the Canadian barley crop at 9.0 million tonnes, up from 8.1 million tonnes last year. U.S. corn production has potential to reach over 410 million tonnes, up from the 2024 harvest of 378 million tonnes. Lower feeder cattle supplies and larger feed grain production will keep the feeder market well supported.
