Insights and Stories on Cattle Markets

Jan. 3, 2017 at 8:29 am CST

February live cattle futures reached six-month highs during the last week of 2016, which quickly spilled over into western Canadian feeder cattle markets. While most auction barns were closed for the holiday season, there was some direct off-farm-to-feedlot movement. Limited sales were reported, but values were $2-$6 higher compared to […]

By Jerry Klassen

Nov. 29, 2016 at 4:58 pm CST

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were trading $5-$7 above week-ago levels, with higher-quality cattle trading as much as $10 higher. It’s difficult to quarrel with one’s bread and butter; feedlot margins are now in positive territory and cattle feeders are keen on ownership with the positive outlook into the March […]

By Jerry Klassen

Nov. 22, 2016 at 11:55 am CST

Average prices for steer and heifer calves jumped $8-$10 this past week with some buyers reporting values as much as $15 above week-ago levels. Feedlot operators could feel it in their bones earlier in November and there were no strings attached on orders flowing across the Prairies. Favourable weather reinforced […]

By Jerry Klassen

Nov. 21, 2016 at 8:20 pm CST

Chicago | Reuters –– U.S. feedlots in October received five per cent fewer cattle than a year earlier, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday, a four-year low for that month that was in line with average trade predictions. Ranchers grew cattle outside of feedlots longer thanks to still healthy […]

By Theopolis Waters

Nov. 15, 2016 at 12:59 am CST

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $3 above week-ago levels; however, weaned lower-flesh calves were $3 to as much as $6 higher. Southern Alberta calf sales are winding down while other regions are just getting started. This resulted in surreptitious behaviour from Lethbridge-area feedlot operators. Orders stretched across […]

By Jerry Klassen