(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market consolidates

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets continue to consolidate at the higher levels. Most auction markets were closed due to the Canada Day holiday, so all eyes were on focused south of the border for market sentiment. Average U.S. feeder prices were steady to $3 lower at major sales in Oklahoma and Missouri as the U.S. […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Lower grain production weighing on feeder market

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices experienced a mixed tone over the past week, with auction markets reporting prices $3 lower to $3 higher in comparison to seven days earlier. The Prairie region continues to experience above-average temperatures causing significant deterioration to pasture and crops in Alberta and western Saskatchewan. Certain auction markets experienced slightly larger […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market experiences softer tone

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices experienced a soft tone this past week on very light volumes. It’s that time of year where producers market the “stragglers,” or late bloomers, that were not up to standard earlier in spring. Therefore, the market was difficult to define but the overall sentiment felt malleable with various-quality cattle on […] Read more

(USDA.gov via Flickr)

Fewer cattle placed in U.S. feedlots in May than anticipated

Chicago | Reuters –– The number of cattle placed in U.S. feedlots last month was lower than anticipated, a government report showed on Friday, reflecting healthy pastures that allowed ranchers to grow livestock longer outside of feedyards, said analysts. Producers retained more heifers to help restore the U.S. cattle herd, now at its third lowest […] Read more


(Canada Beef Inc. photo)

Klassen: Drier conditions soften feeder market

Alberta and Saskatchewan feeder cattle prices were $2 to $5 lower on average last week due to rising barley prices and deteriorating pasture conditions. All weight categories were under pressure, with sharper slippage on shorter-keep replacements. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $202 to $204, but rising feed grain prices caused […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle rally on discount to cash prices

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle closed higher on Monday and erased Friday’s losses, supported by short-covering and futures’ discounts to last week’s cash prices, traders said. June closed 0.825 cent per pound higher at 153.15 cents, and August rose 0.875 cent to 152.15 cents (all figures US$). “They (traders) can’t fight […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle prices remain firm

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 higher on average with limited sales occurring this past week. The Livestock Markets Association of Canada held its annual convention in Winnipeg on the weekend, so many sales barns were quiet. The market at this time of year is characterized by small packages of various quality, […] Read more


(Canada Beef Inc. photo)

Klassen: Strong beef prices spill over into feeder market

U.S. wholesale beef prices surged higher this past week as stronger retail and restaurant demand absorbed the larger beef stocks in storage. Alberta packers’ average purchase price was $202.50 and with pen break-even closeout prices near $188, the healthy margin structure renewed buying confidence in the feeder market. All weight categories experienced a stronger tone, […] Read more