Yearling cattle in an auction ring at Lloydminster, Sask.

Cattle Market Summary

Break-evens, cow and calf prices, plus market summaries, courtesy of Canfax and Beef Farmers of Ontario

Break-evens, cow and calf prices, plus market summaries courtesy of Canfax and Beef Farmers of Ontario. Cost of Production May 2025 Alberta Yearling steers (850 lb) $397.94/cwt Barley 6.87/bu Barley Silage 85.88/ton Cost of gain (feed) 105.57/cwt Cost of gain (all costs) 159.52/cwt Steers 264.50/cwt Break-even (Nov. 2025) $296.91/cwt Ontario Yearling steers (900 lb) $388.87/cwt […] Read more



a stack of hay bales in Alberta, Canada

Unpacking the Picture Butte Feeder Cooperative loan suspension

A look at the allegations against the co-op and what it needs to do to regain access to the Feeders Association Loan Guarantee Program

Editor’s note: After the June issue of Canadian Cattlemen went to press, it was announced that lending operations involving the Picture Butte Feeder Cooperative would resume on May 26. Read that story at the Western Producer, here. [UPDATED: June 19, 2025] On January 27, an order from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation suspended Picture Butte Feeder […] Read more





(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Prairie forecast: Mostly warm and dry weather expected

Forecast issued May 28, covering May 28 to June 4, 2025

We start off with high pressure dominating most of the Prairies. A large surface high is sitting over the north-central U.S. This is beginning to tap into more heat and moisture, which will allow for warmer daytime highs and nighttime lows as dewpoints creep up.

(Geralyn Wichers photo)

Klassen: Lower beef production forecasts support feeder complex

Improving feedlot margins contributed to the stronger feeder market. Alberta packers were buying finished cattle on a dressed basis at $500/cwt delivered which was fresh record high. Using a 60 per cent grading, this equates to a live price of $300/cwt. Feedlot breakeven pen closeouts are in the range of $260-$270/cwt. Feedlots are anxious to reload and larger groups of quality packages are limited at this time of year.