Fed cattle values jumped in Canada and the U.S. this past week, which led the feeder market higher on both sides of the border. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle at $153.50 per hundredweight (cwt), up from $150/cwt earlier in June. Cattle trade in the U.S. Southern Plains occurred in the range of $154-$155/cwt, up
Klassen: Strength in fed cattle leads feeder market higher
Klassen: Feeder cattle firm despite snug feeding margins
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $3-$6 per hundredweight (cwt) higher last week as buyers continue to scramble for limited supplies. Recent rains have enhanced pasture conditions across the Prairies and there will be little incentive to market cattle over the next month. Many cattle buyers are taking a couple of weeks’ holiday after an
Klassen: Feeder cattle market sustains upward momentum
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices jumped $5-$7 per hundredweight (cwt) last week. Recent rains caused adverse pen conditions in southern Alberta, but this did little to stem buying enthusiasm. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle at $150/cwt as tighter beef supplies continue to cause counter-seasonal market behaviour in the beef complex. In addition to firm
Klassen: Feeder cattle outlook remains positive
Weaker feed grain values, along with stronger fed cattle prices, caused Western Canadian feeder cattle prices to trade steady to $2 per hundredweight (cwt) higher. The market was relatively undefined given the lack of volume. Some producers were holding back smaller groups or “underdeveloped stragglers” as gambling stocks, but these supplies have also moved through
Klassen: Weaker barley prices support feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices continue to percolate higher in the 750-pound-plus categories while lighter weight classes were steady with week-ago levels. Feedlot buying interest appeared to be more aggressive due to softer barley prices in southern Alberta. Earlier in May, barley traded up to $220 per tonne delivered Lethbridge but active trade materialized at
Klassen: Feeder cattle market remains hot
Feedlot buying interest remained firm last week as feeder cattle supplies dwindle in line with the seasonal tendency. Small strings of feeders with mixed characteristics were well bid at the higher levels with no signal that this overall trend has come to an end. Once again, larger-frame Simmental-based feeders weighing just under 800 pounds were
Klassen: Demand heats up for available feeder cattle
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher with stronger buying interest noted on 800-pound-plus weight categories. Feedlot operators were once again out in full force, shopping for any available animal that might put some weight on over the next few months. Order buyers were busy on the phone but
Klassen: Fresh historical highs sum up feeder market
All weight categories posted higher prices this last week in Western Canada. In central Alberta, quality Charolais-based stockers weighing 535 pounds touched the magical $250 per hundredweight (cwt) level; shorter-keep, medium-flesh exotics weighing just over 800 lbs. traded at $196/cwt at the same sale. Scarcity was the main concern amongst buyers this week. Stronger prices
Klassen: Lower available supplies bolster feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were a solid $4-$6 per hundredweight (cwt) higher last week in comparison to seven days earlier; however, certain auction barns reflected a hesitant uneven tone as the market moved higher. Feedlot buying interest remains abnormally strong for this time of year and surging deferred live cattle futures justified the higher
Klassen: Lower available supplies support feeder market
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively flat last week, trading steady with week-ago levels while quality replacements were $2-$3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher. Feedlot buying interest was not afraid to pay up larger groups of fancier cattle with limited supplies expected in upcoming weeks. In southern Alberta, black steers weighing 785 pounds traded near