(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Buyers contemplate feeder market prices

In adverse weather, sale results vary

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$5/cwt lower on average although limited numbers made the market hard to define. Calf markets traded $4-$8/cwt on either side of unchanged. It appeared that 700-plus-lb. calves were up $4 to as much as $8. The variation in the price structure was due to the adverse

Producers ask if now is the time to sell

Producers ask if now is the time to sell

AUCTIONS | Feeder steers booked higher-than-ever prices

Most cattle auction sites in Manitoba hosted regular sales during the week ended Sept. 21, with prices for feeder steers higher than ever. The highest price for a steer was $525 per hundredweight at both Gladstone and Ste. Rose Auction Marts. Both weighed 400 pounds or less. All but one auction site, Winnipeg Livestock Sales, sold lightweight


Livestock auction sites prepare for early reopenings

Livestock auction sites prepare for early reopenings

While not as significant as 2021, auctions are still extending their normal dates

It’s not the situation that faced Manitoba auction sites in 2021, when the summer break was cut short due to historic drought, but some sites this year will start the fall run a few weeks early. The early start is due to ongoing heat and dryness experienced for much of this summer, particularly in southwestern

Cattle prices strong as fall run approaches

Cattle prices strong as fall run approaches

Drought in Manitoba isn’t as bad as 2021, but earlier auction openings are possible

Four cattle auction sites in Manitoba held regular sales for the week ending July 27, and two more have announced their returns for the fall run. Heartland Livestock Services in Brandon and Virden, as well as Grunthal Livestock Auction Mart and Winnipeg Livestock Sales all had sales during the week. In total, 1,125 cattle went


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Fed market supports feeder complex

Strength in loonie tempers market upside

For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian yearlings over 800 lbs. were relatively unchanged. Feeder cattle in the range of 600-700 lbs. were up $4-$8/cwt. The market was hard to define for feeder cattle under 600 lbs. due to limited numbers. Prices for quality calves were unchanged from seven days earlier while straggler types were

Cattle prices in a ‘constant climb’

Cattle prices in a ‘constant climb’

Sales might have to resume ahead of schedule if dry weather persists

Most cattle auction sites in Manitoba held regular sales for the last time this season during the week ended June 15. Killarney and Ashern Auction Marts conducted their final sales of the season on June 12 and 14, respectively. Winnipeg Livestock Sales will begin a bi-weekly summer schedule on June 23, while Gladstone Auction Mart


Cattle prices remain strong as sale volumes grind lower

Cattle prices remain strong as sale volumes grind lower

Several yards will operate at a reduced pace over the summer

Activity at Manitoba’s cattle auction yards was subdued during the week ended May 26. The Victoria Day long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and movement slows down for the season. Prices remained strong, especially for butcher cows, which accounted for most of the trade at some yards. “Butcher cows continue to hit new

Fundamentals support strength in cattle prices

Fundamentals support strength in cattle prices

The inflow of cattle at sales includes a notable number of fall calves

For Allan Munroe and the Killarney Auction Mart, the last few months have been the best of times, as good numbers of cattle continue to flow in and prices are at their highest levels in decades.  “Sales are doing very well these days. We surpassed the best we (have) ever seen before, so it makes


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle supplies remain snug

Feedlots expect significantly cheaper barley come harvest

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Premium low-flesh yearlings were one off bids $15-$20 above average. Cattle buyers commented that there were larger volumes of fleshier yearlings. Cattle with heavier butter levels were discounted from our listed values by $5 to as much as $10.

Winter awakens, spring approaches

Winter awakens, spring approaches

Two weekly sales in western Manitoba are called off due to storm

Despite a blizzard barreling into southwestern Manitoba on March 11, which cancelled two cattle auctions, there were still signs of spring during the week ended March 16. Four auction sites, Ashern, Gladstone and Ste. Rose Auction Marts, as well as Winnipeg Livestock Sales, reported fewer cattle in the rings than the previous week. Grunthal Livestock