For the week ending November 29, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $10/cwt higher to 10/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier.
Markets were hard to define given the volatility and emotional behavior. Certain larger operations were extremely aggressive securing ownership across Western Canada while Ontario demand was more prevalent late in the week.
Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $475/cwt-$485/cwt delivered, down $10-$15/cwt from a week earlier. Using a 60 per cent grading, this equates to a live price of $285-$291/cwt delivered. Feedlot margins are now in negative territory with breakeven pen closeouts near $300/cwt. Packers are somewhat delayed with accepting November contracts.
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The Ponoka market report had a group of 34 mixed steer calves with full processing data and implants coming off cows and silage with a mean weight of 842 pounds valued at $450/cwt at the ring. At the VJV Westlock sale, a group of eight, weaned, Angus Hereford blended heifers on the full herd health program coming off a hay diet sold for $378/cwt.
The TEAM market report had a larger group of double vaccinated, quiet/home raised, premium sorted, Angus Simmental cross steers averaging 785 pounds with implants on a diet of cows and oat bales priced at $509/cwt fob ranch near Moose Jaw.
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At the Ste Rose Auction Mart, a smaller group of Charolais based steers weighing 680 pounds traded for $559/cwt and a seven pack of Simmental cross steers weighing 677 pounds traded for $532/cwt.
The Killarney Auction Mart reported a smaller package of black heifers with a spot weight of 631 pounds were last bid at $470. At the Ponoka sale, a group of weaned Simmental Angus cross heifers with full processing records on a diet of corn silage and hay averaging 601 pounds traded for $497/cwt.
At the Perlich Auction near Lethbridge, a group of 43 black Angus steers averaging 613 pounds sold for $601/cwt. Their lighter brothers with a mean weight of 568 pounds were priced at $633/cwt.
The TEAM auction report had a larger package of black and red Angus cross steers with a mean weight of 510 pounds with full processing records but no implants off cows and grass valued at $698/cwt fob ranch near Gleichen for delivery December 10.
Lighter calves remain red hot. The Ste. Rose market report had a group of red steers evaluated at 392 pounds priced at $810/cwt.
There appeared to be a scarcity fear that surfaced late in the week with many auction barns announcing limited activity for the remainder of 2025.
