Market analyst Jerry Klassen explains what fewer barley acres means for Canadian cattle feeders in 2025-26, and other factors playing into the feed grain market.
Market talk
As Canadian farmers plant less barley in 2025, what does it mean for cattle feeders?
Market analyst Jerry Klassen explains what fewer barley acres means for Canadian cattle feeders in 2025-26, and other factors playing into the feed grain market.
Canadian farmers plant less barley in 2025
Market Talk with Jerry Klassen
I’ve received many inquiries from cattle producers about the feed grain outlook for the 2025-26 crop year. Cow-calf producers have sold a record number of calves and yearlings for fall delivery. Feedlot operators are factoring in a fairly aggressive cost per pound gain in anticipation of larger feed grain supplies this fall. Following is a […] Read more
Where is the top of the fed cattle market?
Market Talk with Jerry Klassen
In late April, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at $486/cwt delivered, up about $30/cwt from a month earlier. Using a 60 per cent grading, live prices during the last week of April would equate to $292/cwt, up from the late March value of $274. In Kansas, live prices were quoted […] Read more
Feeder cattle outside finishing feedlots
Market Talk with Jerry Klassen
The feeder cattle market has been trading near or at historical highs over the past couple of months. The higher prices have caused many cattle producers to question the number of feeder cattle that will be available later in spring. Canadian feedlot operators have experienced favourable margins throughout the winter which has enhanced demand for […] Read more
Corn and barley feed market outlook
Market Talk with Jerry Klassen
Feedlot operators and feed grain traders are focusing on new crop production. The USDA held their annual Agriculture Outlook Forum on February 27 and they expect U.S. farmers to increase corn planted area by 3.4 million acres. In Canada, traders and government analysts are expecting a year-over-year increase in barley acres from three per cent […] Read more
Tariff influence on beef and cattle prices
At the time of writing this article, there are no U.S. tariffs on Canadian beef or cattle. Over the past month, I’ve been overwhelmed with calls some days from producers asking about the influence of a U.S. tariff on prices for finished cattle and feeders. We all dreaded courses on Agriculture Trade and Policy in […] Read more
Feed grain update for 2025
Market Talk with Jerry Klassen
Since Alberta barley prices made seasonal lows in September 2024, the market has been percolating higher. In early September, Lethbridge feedlots were buying feed barley for $255-$260/tonne delivered. In late December 2024, Lethbridge feedlots were buying barley for as high as $315/tonne for spot delivery. The 10-year average barley price delivered Lethbridge is around $270/tonne. […] Read more
Questions surround 2024 cattle market
Market Talk with Jerry Klassen
Feeder and fed cattle traded at historical highs over the past year. I’ve received many calls and emails from cattle producers asking questions regarding the market fundamentals moving forward. Can producers expect prices to stay at higher levels or is the market vulnerable to downside potential? During August and September 2024, there were fears that […] Read more
Stronger demand and lower supplies boost price
Market Talk with Jerry Klassen
The December live cattle futures made a low of $173.50 on September 9. At the time of writing this article, the December contract was $189. During September and October, the live cattle futures rallied about $16. In the U.S., the four largest packing firms handle 85 per cent of all steer and heifer purchases. Apparently, […] Read more
What is market analysis for the cattle producer?
Market Talk with Jerry Klassen
When I provide cattle or grain market outlooks for a producer group or specific organization, I start the presentation by asking how many of the attendees subscribe to some type of market analysis. It is no surprise that there is usually a handful of people who put up their hands. Often cattle producers will say […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
