Insights and Stories of Jerry Klassen

Jun. 21, 2016 at 6:57 pm CDT

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets experienced a softer tone over the past week as many auction barns are in summer holiday mode. Weakness in live and feeder cattle futures set a negative tone and by Friday, Alberta packers had dropped bids by nearly $12 on a dressed basis. Feedlot operators […]

By Jerry Klassen

Jun. 14, 2016 at 8:29 pm CDT

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $5 higher over the past week on limited volumes. Stragglers from backgrounding operations and late-blooming calves set a reserved tone amongst buyers with large price variations at different regions of the Prairies. Feedlot margins are hovering around breakeven and there appears to […]

By Jerry Klassen

Jun. 8, 2016 at 8:02 am CDT

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were generally steady with week-ago levels as volumes continue to decline into the summer months. The quality of cattle coming on the market this time of year is quite variable. Background operations are liquidating their final volumes and feeders over 800 lbs. set the market […]

By Jerry Klassen

May. 31, 2016 at 7:37 pm CDT

After a firmer tone the last two weeks, feeder cattle values felt sluggish across the Prairies. Western Canadian prices were quoted from unchanged to $5 lower; smaller sales with variable quality saw prices fall as much as $10 below week-ago levels. Feedlot operators were taken aback by the sharp decline […]

By Jerry Klassen

May. 24, 2016 at 8:08 pm CDT

Average western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $3-$5 above week-ago levels, with top-quality larger groups trading as much as $8-$10 higher. While current pen closeouts remain underwater, the deferred positions are somewhat brighter, which has rejuvenated buying enthusiasm. Most risk management strategies rely on cattle feeders staying in the game […]

By Jerry Klassen