Photo: Canada Beef

Klassen: Feeder market to start 2023 on firm tone

Counter-seasonal behaviour expected

There were no market reports last week due to the holiday season; however, I still received a few calls from cattle producers regarding the feeder market outlook for the first quarter of 2023. The feeder market finished 2022 at 52-week highs. Steers averaging 500 lbs. were readily trading over the psychological $300 level while 900-lb. […] Read more

CME April 2023 live cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

Klassen: Historically high deferred live cattle futures support feeder complex

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2 lower to $4 higher on average. Many auction barns were on holidays last week; therefore, the buying interest appeared to be more concentrated on the major markets. There were no reports from Manitoba last week. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed […] Read more


CME August 2023 live cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

Klassen: Stronger deferred live cattle support feeder market

Cow-calf operators seen hesitant to expand

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Calf prices were mostly unchanged compared to seven days earlier; however, there were pockets where buyers reported prices up $2-$3 on average. The Alberta calf market appeared to stage a minor recovery after softening over the past month. Manitoba markets […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market experiences diverse price behaviour

Manitoba calves hold a premium over Sask., Alta.

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $2 higher while calf prices were unchanged to $4 lower. Yearling supplies are limited and there appeared to be a surge of buying interest for 850-lb. thin-fleshed replacements. Alberta fed cattle basis levels for the second quarter of 2023 have above average and the […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market rations demand

Risk discount built in with adverse weather

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged while calf prices were steady to $6 lower. Demand from Ontario buyers caused markets in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan to hold value. Alberta prices were under pressure as the market appears to be rationing demand. Calf prices are 25-30 per cent higher than year-ago […] Read more

CME August 2023 live cattle (candlesticks) beneath CME December 2023 live cattle (top line),  The spread between the two has been influencing the price structure for calves, Jerry Klassen writes. (Barchart)

Klassen: Stronger deferred live cattle futures support feeder market

Fall run seen moving into final stages

Compared to last week, western Canadian calf markets traded $5 lower to as much as $3 higher. Quality groups of heifers weighing 550-700 lbs. were notably $2-$3 higher and this was largely due to lower supplies of steers. Weather conditions improved in southern Alberta, which was supportive; however, buyers were cautious. Quality pre-conditioned calves held […] Read more


A calf wearing a loop tag. When tagging a calf with this technology, producers should leave a gap to ensure the ear has room to grow.

New CCIA-approved tag designed to avoid snags

One-piece tag made from stainless steel

Many producers are looking for ear tags that stay put for the long term. To that end, the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is now offering the loop tag, manufactured by Shearwell Data. Paul Laronde, tag and technology manager at the CCIA, says the agency has a protocol for testing tags. It takes a little […] Read more

Canada’s beef cow inventory has declined for the third consecutive year and is at its lowest since 2015.

Canadian cattle numbers see significant drop, strong demand for beef continues

Prepared by the staff of Canfax and Canfax Research Services, divisions of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association

Canada’s cattle inventory declined in 2022, with cows and heifers for beef replacement down substantially. Concerns about a second year of drought across the Prairies pushed more heifers into feedlots early in 2022. Prices for fed and non-fed Canadian cattle maintained their upward price momentum from spring to summer on a tight supply outlook, as […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Adverse weather limits demand for calves

Stronger Canadian dollar adds pressure

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $2 higher. Calves traded steady to $10 lower in Alberta while markets in Saskatchewan and Manitoba were quoted $5 lower to $2 higher. Adverse weather resulted in a softer tone for calves with Lethbridge temperatures dipping to -25 to -33 C last week. The […] Read more

(WPohlDesign/iStock/Getty Images)

Klassen: Tighter supplies underpin western Canadian feeder market

Weather conditions may sway buying interest

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were unchanged to $4 higher. Heavier calves notched a week-over-week gain of $2-$4. Mid-weight and lighter calves traded steady to $5 lower in Alberta but $4-$5 on either side of unchanged in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Yearling numbers were limited and buyers paid up for quality packages while […] Read more