(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Canadian feeder market rationing demand

Improvement seen in feeding margins

For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian feeder markets averaged $3-$6/cwt higher compared to seven days earlier. Weakness in the Canadian dollar along with strength in the deferred live cattle futures set a positive tone. Recent rains have enhanced yield potential for the Canadian barley crop, which also underpinned nearby cash values. Alberta packers were […] Read more


Canada Beef at a 2022 hotel promotion with Marriott Hotel Kaohsiung in Taiwan. (Photo courtesy Canada Beef)

Taiwan pledges full access for Canadian beef

Market to reopen in 'a couple weeks,' minister says

Canadian beef exporters can expect to regain full market access to Taiwan within the next couple of weeks, Canada’s international trade minister said Thursday. Posting on Twitter Thursday from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade ministers’ meeting in Detroit, Mary Ng said Taiwanese officials have confirmed the decision, which she hailed as “great news […] Read more

CME October 2023 feeder cattle with 20-, and 100-day moving averages and May 2023 feeder cattle (black line). (Barchart)

Klassen: Weather forecasts underpin feeder market

High forage costs pose problem for cow-calf expansion

For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. The finishing feedlot operator appears to be dominating the feeder market across all weight categories. Ontario interest was creeping all the way into Alberta, especially for Limousin-type genetics. There were limited numbers on offer in Manitoba and Saskatchewan […] Read more



Record fed cattle prices, feeder prices also seen strong

Record fed cattle prices, feeder prices also seen strong

The Markets with Deb McMillin, from the June 2023 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Fed cattle Fed cattle prices continue to set new records in 2023. Significant increases in exports led to current marketing positions for feedlots sooner than expected. Supplies are tight and carcass weights have dropped which has packers looking to secure inventory and cut back on kill days. In mid-May the fed steer average in Alberta […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Lower beef production forecast drives feeder market higher

Feedlots factoring in lower feed grain values

Compared to the week ending May 6, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 higher while calf values were up $2 to as much as $8 on average. The feeder market was well bid across all weight categories. Demand for grass cattle appeared to be more aggressive this past week. Yearling supplies will decrease over the […] Read more

Photo: Canada Beef

Fed, feeder cattle prices in record-high range

Prepared by the staff of Canfax and Canfax Research Services, divisions of the Canadian Cattle Association

Fed cattle found substantial tailwinds, making new record-high prices in March 2023. Feeder prices in the first quarter of 2023 are approaching the record highs from 2015. Strong cattle prices are being supported by tighter North American supplies. Following two years of drier conditions, Canadian and U.S. cattle inventories were lower to begin 2023. Fed […] Read more


Photo: Canada Beef Inc.

Klassen: Feeder market remains firm on fed cattle strength

Alberta's disastrous wildfires may disrupt calf marketings

Compared to last week, western Canadian prices for yearlings over 800 lbs. were quoted steady to $4 higher; feeders between 600-800 lbs. were relatively unchanged while calves under 600 lbs. were $5-$10 higher. The market for calves under 600 lbs. was hard to define due to limited volumes. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on […] Read more

The deep roots in many forage plants significantly improve soil structure and soil moisture absorption and retention.

Forages offer protection from flooding

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

Manitoba’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre predicted a major risk of spring flooding along the Red River a few days before this column was written. Spring floods are an annual concern in Manitoba. High precipitation, heavy soils and a flat topography mean that floodwaters can spread with devastating consequences, especially when ice jams prevent meltwater from flowing […] Read more