Insights and Stories of Jerry Klassen

Feb. 25, 2013 at 12:10 am CST

Weaker U.S. cattle prices and softer Alberta packer bids weighed on western Canadian feeder cattle values last week. Feedlot buying interest has been tempered as margins continue to float in various levels of red ink. Barley prices remain firm and lower live cattle futures suggest that this environment will be […]

By Jerry Klassen

Feb. 18, 2013 at 2:33 am CST

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 per hundredweight (cwt) lower last week. Negative feeding margins appear to be the largest factor weighing on the feeder market. Optimism for fed cattle prices for the April-through-June period has also waned, with live cattle futures $7 to $8 off contract […]

By Jerry Klassen

Feb. 11, 2013 at 8:58 am CST

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were generally steady with values earlier in January as buying interest for grass cattle started to surface last week. Pasture conditions are expected to be favourable come spring, and demand from the smaller farmer-cattle producer supported prices for lighter weight cattle. The market for heavier […]

By Jerry Klassen

Feb. 4, 2013 at 5:50 am CST

I usually discuss weekly market activity regarding the feeder cattle market but cow-calf producers should sometimes take a step back and look at the macro environment for a longer-term perspective. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s cattle inventory report showed the 2012 calf crop down three per cent from 2011. Beef […]

By Jerry Klassen

Jan. 28, 2013 at 4:53 am CST

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady for yearlings, while lighter-weight cattle appeared to be slightly softer this week. Fed cattle were under pressure due to weaker wholesale beef prices. Retail movement for higher-end cuts appears to have slowed in January while movement for ground beef and lower-quality steaks has […]

By Jerry Klassen