Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were down $4-$5 on average on very light volume sales. Pasture conditions are very good across the Prairies, limiting the number of replacement cattle coming on the market. Most auction markets are also in summer holiday mode and many buyers are on holidays. Cash barley prices in southern Alberta jumped
Klassen: Feeder cattle continue to slide lower
Klassen: Feeder cattle fall on rising corn
Thin volumes characterized last week’s feeder cattle market, with most action markets in summer holiday mode. Western Canadian prices were led lower by the U.S. market, which was under severe pressure due to stronger corn prices. Record temperatures were recorded in over 250 U.S. cities last week and the forecast calls for above-normal temperatures and
Klassen: Feeder cattle market sleeps in uncertainty
Rising corn futures, European economic turmoil and passive consumption patterns have strained feeder prices. Cattle futures dropped faster than a power window last week, with traders squealing about changing market conditions. It was not long ago that upside was unlimited and the world would run out of beef. My brother sold backgrounded heifers last week
Klassen: Weaker fed cattle spill over into feeder complex
Alberta packers bought slaughter cattle in the range of $110-$112 per hundredweight last week, down $3/cwt from a week earlier in June. Packers have finished purchases for the July 4 weekend; therefore, the market was experiencing softer demand. Sluggish fed cattle prices caused feeder cattle to trade $2-$5/cwt lower in comparison to a week earlier.
Klassen: Feeder cattle market edges higher
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $2-$3 per hundredweight (cwt) higher on average last week. Auction market volumes have been declining, but steady feedlot demand and the weaker Canadian dollar have supported the feeder market. Major feedlots are moving through a massive liquidation phase of fall-placed calves and margins have been fairly positive on these
Klassen: Feeder cattle market holds value
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady last week with week-ago levels, with grass cattle trading $2-$4 per hundredweight (cwt) higher. The market in general is experiencing lower volumes with steady demand. Despite the weaker economic situation, fed cattle prices appear to be stabilizing, with the deferred live cattle futures factoring in lower production for
Klassen: Feeder cattle market has mixed tone
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 per hundredweight higher last week. The weaker Canadian dollar, along with steady feedlot demand set a firmer tone. Favourable rains over the past couple weeks have also enhanced demand for grass cattle. Feedlots are moving a large amount of fed cattle at this time of year;
Klassen: Feeder cattle market consolidates
Feeder cattle prices in Western Canada were steady with week-ago levels. A stronger fed cattle market along and higher live cattle futures in the deferred months set a positive tone for lighter-weight feeders. Heavier replacement cattle were under pressure as current feeding margins continue to struggle in red ink. Comments from the industry were that
Klassen: Demand for grass cattle supports feeder market
The feeder cattle market showed a mixed tone this past week. Replacement cattle over 750 pounds were $2 per hundredweight (cwt) lower to $2 higher, but lighter feeders were $2-$4/cwt higher. Feedlots realize that available feeder cattle supplies will decrease over the next couple months. However, with feeding margins deteriorating, it is difficult to increase
Klassen: Feeder cattle prices stabilize
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices appear to have stabilized for the time being. Auction market volumes are declining in line with the seasonal tendency and demand is sufficient to sustain the current price structure. Fed cattle prices were down as much as $3 per hundredweight (cwt), which continues to weigh on the feeder complex. Alberta