Beef production will likely be slightly below year-ago levels during the latter half of 2020.

Fed cattle market outlook

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

Alberta fed cattle prices reached up to $275 on a dressed basis during the first half of January but have since come under pressure. At the time of writing this article at the end of January, Alberta packers were showing bids in the range of $262 to $265 delivered. April live cattle futures reached contract […] Read more






After peaking in earlier October, yearling markets are now trending lower.

A few observations regarding the feeder cattle market

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

Throughout the fall period, western Canadian calves were trading $10 to $15 below year-ago levels. Yearlings were quite firm earlier in September, reaching up to 52-week highs. After peaking in the first half of October, the yearling market has been slowly trending lower. This is counter-seasonal to price patterns we’ve seen in past years. Usually, […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market remains firm

Feeder cattle markets experienced light volumes during the final week of December and prices were relatively unchanged compared to week-ago levels. Yearling values were slightly softer, as these cattle will not have enough time to be ready for the April fed market. Buying interest for mid-weight categories was characterized as sluggish, while light-weight bawlers were […] Read more






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Klassen: Challenging weather influencing feeder market

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged; calves appeared to trade $3 lower to as much as $5 higher. Weather conditions have played a larger role in the price structure this fall. Major finishing feedlots continue to focus on preconditioned calves and have left the unweaned or unvaccinated feeders to the […] Read more