This spring had cattle-on-feed placements sharply higher than year-ago levels in the mid-weight categories which will result in a sharp year-over-year increase in market-ready supplies this fall.

Soft beef demand outlook for September and October

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

Alberta fed cattle prices have been hovering in the range of $143 to $148 throughout the summer period. The market has been relatively stable without any major changes to supply and demand. Looking forward, beef production is expected to increase during September and October. At the same time, demand moves through a seasonal low. It’s […] Read more

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle climb on wholesale beef demand

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle climb on wholesale beef demand

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures closed higher on Tuesday for a second session, supported by strong wholesale beef demand ahead of the Labour Day holiday weekend, analysts said. Retailers are stocking their meat cases this week ahead of the Labour Day holiday on Sept. 2, while a Tyson Foods slaughterhouse […] Read more






Packers have another record year

Packers have another record year

Prime Cuts with Steve Kay

Converting cattle into beef has never been an easy way to make money. Beef processing involves the need for large amounts of cash, the vagaries of the weather, the possibility of a product recall and the headache of running a plant with enough workers. These and other factors apply to packers both in Canada and […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

U.S. livestock: Live cattle extend slide on long liquidation

Chicago | Reuters –– Chicago Mercantile Exchange February live cattle futures fell on Friday for a seventh straight session on technical selling including fund long liquidation and uncertainty about near-term beef demand, traders said. “We have a lot of protein around right now. We have a few holidays later this month to move some of […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Winter weather weighs on feeder complex

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged. However, quality features played a larger role in the price structure. Buyers shied away on fleshier yearlings which is often the case when margins move into negative territory. It’s that time of year when thicker coats can be somewhat misleading and buyers pulled […] Read more