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



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



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Klassen: Strong demand underpins Western Canadian feeder market

For the week ending February 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged from seven days earlier. Calves may have traded $5-$10/cwt higher at some locations. Feeding margins have improved over the past week with Southern Alberta pen-closeouts now hovering near breakeven. Ontario feedlot margins are in positive territory by $20-$40/head. At the Ponoka video

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Klassen: Feeder market remains firm

For the week ending February 21, Western Canadian markets for yearlings or backgrounded cattle traded steady to $10/cwt higher. The calf market was mixed with values quoted $5 higher to $10/cwt lower. Feedlot margins appear to be improving in the short-term which supported the yearling market. Extremely cold temperatures across most of Alberta may have


Photo: Geralyn Wichers

Klassen: Feeder market eyes fed cattle for direction

For the week ending February 14, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. The deferred live cattle futures have been consolidating in a narrow range over the past month, which has limited the upside in the feeder complex. Supplies of yearlings or replacements over 800 pounds are increasing as

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Klassen: Calf markets continue to climb

For the week ending February 7, Western Canadian feeder markets traded $10 higher to $10 lower compared to seven days earlier. The cash market was extremely volatile as the sell-off in the feeder cattle futures on Thursday, February 5, installed cautious tone amongst buyers late in the week. Fleshier cattle in smaller packages were discounted