Insights and Stories on Finishers

Klassen: Weather forecasts underpin feeder market

May. 22, 2023 at 10:02 pm CDT

For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. The finishing feedlot operator appears to be dominating the feeder market across all weight categories. Ontario interest was creeping all the way into Alberta, especially for Limousin-type genetics. There were limited numbers on […]

Klassen: Lower beef production forecast drives feeder market higher

May. 16, 2023 at 12:31 pm CDT

By Jerry Klassen

Klassen: Feeder market remains firm on fed cattle strength

May. 10, 2023 at 11:09 am CDT

By Jerry Klassen

Klassen: Feeder cattle supplies remain snug

May. 2, 2023 at 3:30 pm CDT

By Jerry Klassen

Klassen: Positive feeding margins lift feeder complex

Apr. 25, 2023 at 11:40 am CDT

By Jerry Klassen

Klassen: Feeder market factors in lower barley prices

Apr. 18, 2023 at 11:00 am CDT

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings over 800 lbs. jumped $4 to as much as $10 in some cases. Steers in the 700- to 800-lb. category appeared to be up $10-$12 while similar-weight heifers were up $8-$10. Calves under 700 lbs. were up $10-$20. The feeder market was hard […]

By Jerry Klassen

Klassen: Demand surges for grass cattle

Apr. 11, 2023 at 6:03 am CDT

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Certain auction markets did not have sales due to the shortened holiday week. Adverse weather also shuttered some sales on Wednesday and Thursday in the eastern Prairie region. Southern Alberta feedlots are contending with […]

By Jerry Klassen

Klassen: Alberta fed cattle lead feeder market higher

Apr. 4, 2023 at 8:22 am CDT

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$5 higher while calf prices advanced $1-$3 on average. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis of $360/cwt last week, up $3-$10 from a week earlier. Using a 60 per cent grading, live prices would be equivalent to […]

By Jerry Klassen

Klassen: Feeder market eyes feed grain complex

Mar. 27, 2023 at 11:19 pm CDT

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $2 higher on average. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $353-$357/cwt delivered last week, up from the average price of $348/cwt delivered seven days earlier. Strength in the fed cattle […]

By Jerry Klassen

Klassen: Stronger fed cattle market pulls feeders upward

Mar. 21, 2023 at 1:09 am CDT

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling and calf markets were quoted steady to $5 higher on average. Strength was noted in southern Alberta. In the Lethbridge area, prices for lighter flesh replacements were up as much as $10 from seven days earlier. Larger supplies of backgrounded cattle are coming […]

By Jerry Klassen