Insights and Stories on Beef

Jan. 28, 2025 at 11:39 am CST

For the week ending January 25, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $$3-$6/cwt on either side of unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Higher quality genetics and lower flesh replacements were slightly firmer; however, feedlot operators incorporated the appropriate discounts on fleshier types and lower efficiency, smaller frame animals.

By Jerry Klassen

Jan. 21, 2025 at 10:14 am CST

There was a surge in farmer selling across Western Canada last week. Sales volumes were larger than normal at many auction barns.  The fear that President Trump would implement a tariff on feeder cattle ignited fears that that market would drop sharply.  

By Jerry Klassen

Jan. 14, 2025 at 3:07 pm CST

For the week ending January 11, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were up $15-$20/cwt compared to the week ending December 21, 2024. In eastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, quality packages of steers 800 pounds and over traded $20/cwt to $25/cwt higher compared to three weeks earlier. 

By Jerry Klassen

Jan. 7, 2025 at 9:48 am CST

The Alberta fed cattle market was quoted on a live basis in the range of range of $262-$265/cwt fob feedlot last week. Fed cattle forward contracts for March and April delivery (Alberta) were quoted from $270 to $272/cwt.  Compared to last week of November 2024, fed prices are up $20/cwt on average.

By Jerry Klassen

Dec. 31, 2024 at 9:15 am CST

For the week ending December 28, there were no feeder cattle sales in Western Canada; however, that didn’t stop cattle producers from emailing or calling me over the holidays inquiring about market direction. I thought it would be an opportune time to discuss a couple factors that will influence the market direction over the next couple of months.

By Jerry Klassen