Fed cattle markets are expected to show strength

Fed cattle markets are expected to show strength

Manitoba’s major auction markets closed for the week

It was a slow start to the new year for Manitoba auction marts, as major outlets stayed quiet during the week ended Jan. 5. However, it may have been a good time for participants to stay home, due to the cold weather. Feed usage is likely on the minds of some ranchers, though, as they

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Fed cattle market leads feeders higher

Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $280-$282 delivered on a dressed basis, which equates to $168-$171 on a live basis. Yearlings bought last summer are bringing back $150-$180 margin, which has reinforced buying enthusiasm. Western Canadian yearlings traded $3 to as much as $8 above week-ago levels; calves were relatively unchanged


cow

Will the cattle market thrive in 2018?

The year that just ended saw a more or less steady upward trend

By most accounts 2017 was better than expected for most cattle auction marts across Manitoba. Volumes were up and prices weathered some early challenges, however, it leaves ranchers wondering if that trend will continue into the new year. “We closed the year with prices that were higher than a year ago,” said Dave Nickel of

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market remains firm into 2018

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets experienced limited activity over the past week because most auction barns were closed for the holiday season. There was some reported activity in certain regions such as central Alberta and prices were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. Frigid temperatures tempered buying activity. Feedlots in the nearby area of the


Cattle markets beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Producers are cleaning out their pens ahead of year-end

As the last few days of 2017 wind down, so too does activity at most auction marts in the province. Volumes were noticeably weaker during the week ended Dec. 15 as producers cleaned out their pens before the end of the year. Just over 5,000 animals made their way to Manitoba’s eight major outlets, compared

Cattle volumes taper off but prices hold steady

Buying interest from Ontario provided price support

Cattle still moved through the Manitoba auction yards during the week ended Dec. 8, but activity was starting to slow down as fall marketing wraps up ahead of Christmas and New Year’s. Volumes were down, but prices held steady for most classes of cattle on offer. “The end is in sight,” said Allan Munroe of


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market falters

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3 to as much as $6 lower. Alberta feeder cattle prices appeared to move in line with major U.S. markets, which were also down $3-$5 from week-ago levels; however, minimal slippage was noted in eastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Weakness in deferred live and feeder cattle

Cows herded in to holding pen

Cattle prices see pressure as seasonal bump clears

Volumes should taper off heading toward year-end

Prices for Manitoba cattle softened slightly during the week ended Dec. 1, as the seasonal bump that helped push prices higher in early November evaporated. Around 12,400 head made their way into the province’s eight major auction outlets, compared to 14,350 the week before. “Volume-wise we’re running about a half to two-thirds of what we


Cows herded in to holding pen

Higher prices make for a larger fall cattle run

Auction marts are still as busy as ever but watchers expect volumes to fall soon

Prices have remained high as large volumes of cattle went through the Manitoba auction marts during the week ended Nov. 24. “(There are) big volumes of cattle moving across the west, or here in Manitoba. And I think from now on we’re going to see less volume,” said Robin Hill of Heartland Livestock Services –

Cows herded in to holding pen

Cattle prices stay on strong side

There was just a slight price drop for some feeder steers 
and heifers this past week

Prices for cattle at Manitoba auction marts continue to stay strong, but some classes did drop off slightly during the week ended November 17. Feeder steers in the 300 to 400 lb range softened by a few dollars along with heifers in that same weight class. Most classes and weights of calves were four to