(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder prices ratchet higher

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$5 higher on average; however, there were a few feature sales quoted $8 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels. Finishing feedlots were fairly aggressive on backgrounded cattle, which was the main source of yearlings last week. Early grassers are starting to come on the […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market enters summer doldrums

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $5 lower on average. Small volumes were available last week, which distorted the price structure. Many feedlot hands will rotate holidays through July; therefore, feedlot operators don’t want to bring in fresh replacements with a skeleton staff. Recent rains across Saskatchewan and Alberta […] Read more


A plunging futures market in mid-May caused hedged cattle feeders to sell cattle early at lower prices for three weeks in a row.

Kay: Cattle futures crush the present

Prime Cuts with Steve Kay

Futures markets perform an important role in agricultural markets by allowing producers of key commodities to construct risk management strategies to help them make money. The futures are also anticipatory markets, and these two roles sometimes make for strange bedfellows. Right now in the U.S., the futures market for feeder and live cattle are crushing […] Read more

Feeder cattle futures moved sharply lower at the start of May.

McMillin: Cattle prices see sharp decline

The Markets with Deb McMillin, from the June 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Fed cattle Fed cattle prices have seen a sharp price decline over the past couple of weeks. Current fed steer prices are averaging $150.88/cwt, which is a decrease of $11.55/cwt over the past three weeks. Pressure in May is typical following the spring high in the fed market. While barbecue season is just getting started, […] Read more