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U.S. livestock: CME live cattle top three-week high; feeder cattle set contract high

Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures topped a three-week high on Monday on expectations that supplies will tighten in the coming months, while feeder cattle set a contract high, traders said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, in a monthly report issued after the markets closed on Friday, said 1.67 million cattle were



Cattle values steady despite futures’ drop

Cattle values steady despite futures’ drop

Despite falling prices on U.S. cattle futures markets, bids remained steady at auction sites in Manitoba during the week ending April 29. More than 7,200 cattle went through the rings during the week, down from 8,600 the week earlier, as feeder numbers start to settle down before the summer. While prices have remained steady for


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle markets experience volatility

Beef prices encourage slaughter pace

Compared to the previous week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of week-ago levels. Prices were quite variable across the Prairies with four main factors influencing buyer sentiment. First, the eastern Prairie regions experienced adverse winter weather. Auction barns in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan had smaller volumes on offer. Buyers shied

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market bounces on optimistic outlook

Feed barley remains near historical highs

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices traded $2-$4 higher; prices for mid-weight calves were quoted $4-$8 above week-ago levels. Calves under 550 lbs. traded $6 to as much as $10 higher compared to seven days earlier. Improving feedlot margins were the main factor driving the feeder market. June and August live cattle futures



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle prices digesting uncertainty

Defensive tone likely through January

The feeder cattle market was very quiet during the last week of December with auction barns in holiday mode. There were discussions regarding direct sales but no actual business was confirmed. The stakes are too high given the market uncertainty; a defensive tone will likely continue throughout January. Feed grains continue to percolate higher; the


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U.S. livestock: Live cattle futures ease as corn prices soar, raising feed costs

Chicago | Reuters – U.S. live cattle futures declined on Wednesday for a second session as surging corn prices signaled rising feed costs and pressured feeder cattle futures, traders said. Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) February live cattle futures settled down 0.125 cent at 114.450 cents per pound, while CME March feeder cattle tumbled 1.475 cents

U.S. livestock: Live cattle futures retreat as Wall Street dips, feed costs rise

Chicago | Reuters – U.S. cattle futures retreated on Tuesday after hitting a near three-month high in the previous session as rising feed costs and a downturn in equities markets triggered selling. Cattle futures have firmed in recent days as hopes for an economic stimulus deal in Washington overshadowed worries about restaurant closures and travel