Insights and Stories of Jerry Klassen

Sep. 30, 2013 at 4:04 am CDT

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $2 per hundredweight (cwt) higher this week. Stronger U.S. feeder cattle prices, along with continued pressure on local barley values, were the main factors driving replacement cattle higher. The harvest is winding down and additional demand was noted from winter backgrounding operators […]

By Jerry Klassen

Sep. 23, 2013 at 3:44 am CDT

This is usually the time of year when renewed optimism surfaces amongst cattle buyers as feedlots are anxiously placing market orders for fresh yearlings and calves. However, general comments from the industry reflect lacklustre buying interest for all categories of replacement cattle. While certain Alberta feeder markets were steady to […]

By Jerry Klassen

Sep. 16, 2013 at 3:50 am CDT

The market for feeder cattle is becoming more established now that volumes have increased at most auction markets in Western Canada. Feather-light steer calves under 400 pounds are regularly selling over $200 per hundredweight (cwt); however, heavier replacement cattle, 700 lbs. and heavier, are about $5-$8/cwt higher than year-ago levels. […]

By Jerry Klassen

Sep. 9, 2013 at 5:21 am CDT

Western Canadian feeder prices were very uneven last week, depending on the region. Barley prices continue to grind lower while feeding margins hover near break-even on current pen closeouts; both factors are the main influences underpinning the feeder market heading into the main fall run. U.S. feeder markets continue to […]

By Jerry Klassen

Sep. 3, 2013 at 3:25 am CDT

Western Canadian feeder cattle values were steady to $2 per hundredweight (cwt) higher in comparison to two weeks earlier. Feedlot managers have a reserved attitude and the market can feel the cautious optimism for the fed market four to five months forward. Beef demand usually slows down during September and […]

By Jerry Klassen