Klassen: Feeder cattle market feels sluggish

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices continue to consolidate trading steady to $2 per hundredweight (cwt) lower depending on the region. Fed cattle prices were up $2/cwt on average, which was supportive for heavier replacement cattle but feedlot margins continue to hover in red ink. There is no shortage of beef, as the U.S. Department of


Klassen: Feeder cattle prices hold value

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady with week-ago levels. The yearling run is basically finished and a larger volume of calves are coming on the market. A larger group of exotic medium-flesh steers weighing just over 500 pounds sold for $154 per hundredweight (cwt) in central Alberta. Black Angus-cross steers weighing 650 lbs. moved

Klassen: Feeder cattle market ratchets higher

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 per hundredweight (cwt) higher last week; light-weight calves were uneven, down $3 to up $4/cwt in comparison to seven days earlier. Strength in the fed cattle market renewed buying enthusiasm from major feedlot operators for yearlings and heavier calves. However, adverse wet and snowy weather continued


Feeder cattle market remains uneven

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $2/cwt higher to $3/cwt lower last week with each province experiencing a volatile price structure. Adverse weather conditions along with soft cattle futures caused major feedlots to lower their buying ideas. Certain lots are backed up with market-ready supplies and are looking to liquidate fed cattle before stepping forward

Klassen: Weather weighs on feeder cattle

Southern Alberta feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 higher on average last week. However, the market was uneven in other areas of Western Canada, trading steady to $3 per hundredweight (cwt) lower. The yearling run is coming to a close as feedlots step forward more aggressively for weaned calves. Despite the softer futures for


Klassen: Demand improves for calves

Buyers are starting to step forward more aggressively for replacement cattle as auction market volumes increase in line with the seasonal tendency. The market is realizing buying interest from the small-farmer backgrounding operator; major feedlot operators continue to be stepping forward despite higher barley prices. Cash barley bids reached $280 per tonne last week, up

Klassen: Calf market drifts lower

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 per hundredweight (cwt) lower on average compared to week-ago levels with larger volume of calves coming on stream. Deferred live cattle futures were lower and weaker feedlot margins are the main factors pressuring feeder cattle prices in the short term. Barley prices in southern Alberta jumped


Klassen: Feeder cattle market holds value

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady with week-ago levels as auction markets experienced larger volumes with more yearlings coming on stream. Major feeding operations shrugged off the E. coli media hype while the smaller feedlot background operator tended to shy away from the market. Fed cattle prices remain under pressure and feedlot margins are