cattle eating hay in the snow

The danger in strong cattle prices

Plan for a profit, but always keep a watchful eye on your cost of production

It may sound odd to suggest that there is a hidden danger in strong cattle prices. Perhaps there is a danger precisely because most producers don’t recognize that there is such a thing. I believe that there is a hidden danger. As responsible producers we need to recognize the danger and take steps to avoid […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market absorbs larger supplies

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were well supported this past week, with strong buying interest from both larger feedlot operators and the “year-end buyer” custom cattle feeder. Fed cattle prices continue to trade near historical highs, causing feedlots to aggressively liquidate market-ready supplies. Empty pens can have significant opportunity cost in this environment, so there […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Strong demand at feature calf sales

Last week saw many auction barns holding their largest volumes of the year and there was no shortage of buying interest at these feature sales. Major feedlot operators were aggressively shopping because quality and risk sentiment appear to be more favourable this time of year. Calves have withstood adverse winter conditions for a couple of […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Healthy feeding margins support feeder cattle market

Western Canadian feeder cattle price volatility continues while average prices remain near historical highs. Fancier minimal-flesh quality calf prices experienced spurts of $5 to $8 above average levels as exotic steers averaging 780 pounds reached up to $246 in central Alberta. Similarly, a small group of quality 750-lb. steers touched $252 at a feature sale […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle markets remain firm at feature sales

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets experienced extreme volatility over the past week. Strong buying interest was noted on pre-conditioned calves while unweaned bawlers traded $2-$5 per hundredweight (cwt) lower. Alberta packers showed limited interest for fed cattle due to uncertainty in wholesale beef values. However, by the weekend, fed cattle in the U.S. southern Plains […] Read more


Klassen: Feeder cattle experience volatile price action

Western Canada’s feeder cattle prices traded in an volatile fashion this past week due to uncertain economics and beef demand uncertainty. Early in the week, auction barns were reporting values steady with week-ago levels; however, buying enthusiasm started to wane by Wednesday and prices were $3-$5 per hundredweight (cwt) lower by the weekend. Feedlot operators […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle jump $4-$8

Western Canada’s calf prices once again jumped $4-$8 per hundredweight (cwt) while yearling prices advanced a solid $2-$4. Strength in the fed cattle market, along with stronger wholesale beef values, rejuvenated buying enthusiasm for all weight categories. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle $2-$3/cwt above week-ago levels with fed steers trading in the range of […] Read more