For the week ending April 4, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable. Photo: Geralyn Wichers

Klassen: Negative margins weigh on Western feeder cattle market

For the week ending April 4, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable. Backgrounded replacements were relatively unchanged, however fleshier groups experienced sharper discounts compared to a week earlier. Genetic quality appeared to influence the market on a larger scale for feeders under 700 pounds. Medium to larger frame preconditioned calves appeared to trade


Photo: Geralyn Wichers

Klassen: Feeder cattle market continues consolidation

For the week ending March 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle market once again traded $10/cwt higher to $10/cwt lower compared to seven days earlier. Backgrounded replacements were down $3-$6/cwt on average with fleshier groups dropping as much as $6-$10/cwt. Calves were quite variable across the Prairies due to limited numbers. There was strong demand for

Newborn calf getting supplemented with colostrum.  Photo: File.

CALVING 2026: Keep those newborn beef calves healthy

The 2026 calf crop is, or will soon be, hitting the ground on beef farms across Manitoba —here’s an overview of how to keep those calves healthy and growing

Healthy beef calves don't happen by accident: Biosecurity, vaccines, vitamin injections and colostrum play a part in newborn calf care.



Photo: Lisa Guenther

Klassen: Weaker fed markets add fear to feeder prices

For the week ending March 14, Western Canadian yearlings and backgrounded cattle traded $10 to $15 lower on average compared to seven days earlier. Calves were unchanged to $10/cwt lower on average. Weakness in the nearby and deferred live cattle prices along with strength in the barley market resulted in a negative tone for the