Tag Archives cattle markets
Auction mart report for week of Sept. 15, 2023
Regional market analysis from Manitoba, courtesy of the Livestock Markets Association of Canada members.
Northern Man. | Southern Man. Northern Manitoba, courtesy of Ste. Rose Auction Mart With the combines, swathers, grain trucks, and tractors moving in every direction, marketing cattle seems to be the last thing on people’s minds. But after today’s market report, some producers might halt production and send some calves to town, as these wet-nosed […] Read more
Canadian fed cattle supplies tighten, herd liquidation continues
The Markets with Deb McMillin, from the September 26, 2023 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Fed cattle The fed cattle market leading up to the Labour Day weekend saw some seasonal pressure. Demand softens towards summer’s end and typically longer-fed, heavier cattle are moving through the system. August ended with an average of $231.76/cwt, which is just six per cent behind the 2023 annual high. The last two weeks of […] Read more
Auction mart report for week of Sept. 1, 2023
Regional market analysis from Manitoba and Saskatchewan, courtesy of the Livestock Markets Association of Canada members.
Southern Sask | Western Man. Southern Saskatchewan report, courtesy of Whitewood Livestock Light run this week. Expect it to be the third week of September before we see many calves. Demand across all classes. Had several light, fresh calves but quality wasn’t the greatest. Expect this market to remain strong. Will see some pressure as […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market consolidates at historical highs
Higher borrowing costs offset lower feed prices
For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian yearling steer prices were quoted $2-$4 higher; yearling heifers traded $2 higher to $5 lower. Calves were relatively unchanged although volumes were limited. Larger groups of quality genetics were well bid while second tier cattle were marginally discounted off the highs. Some ranches are liquidating yearlings about one […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle supplies remain snug
Feedlots expect significantly cheaper barley come harvest
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Premium low-flesh yearlings were one off bids $15-$20 above average. Cattle buyers commented that there were larger volumes of fleshier yearlings. Cattle with heavier butter levels were discounted from our listed values by $5 to as much as $10. […] Read more
Klassen: Positive feeding margins lift feeder complex
Futures continue percolating higher
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $5/cwt higher. Feeders in the 650- to 800-lb. category appeared to jump $4/cwt to as much as $8/cwt in some cases. Calves under 650 lbs. were up $5-$10/cwt. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in southern Alberta on a live basis at $222/cwt f.o.b. the […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market factors in lower barley prices
Strength in deferred live cattle futures also supportive
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings over 800 lbs. jumped $4 to as much as $10 in some cases. Steers in the 700- to 800-lb. category appeared to be up $10-$12 while similar-weight heifers were up $8-$10. Calves under 700 lbs. were up $10-$20. The feeder market was hard to define in some cases. […] Read more
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
Worker shortage looms
Prime Cuts with Steve Kay
Labour and cattle are the two biggest challenges that beef processors face in running a profitable business year in, year out. COVID-19’s onset revealed how any sizeable workforce disruption can wreak havoc with running a beef plant efficiently. All major beef-producing countries faced labour shortages during the pandemic. Staffing levels have returned to close to […] Read more
Klassen: Uncertain fed cattle market weighs on feeder cattle
U.S. feeder demand seen relatively sluggish
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings (900 lbs. and over) appeared to trade $6-$8 lower on average; yearlings weighing 800-900 lbs. off grass were unchanged. Backgrounded yearlings were also $6-$8 lower. Mid-weight calves were unchanged but calves under 600 lbs. were $3 to as much as $10 lower in some cases. Feedlot operators pulled […] Read more