Insights and Stories on Fed Cattle

May. 31, 2016 at 7:37 pm CDT

After a firmer tone the last two weeks, feeder cattle values felt sluggish across the Prairies. Western Canadian prices were quoted from unchanged to $5 lower; smaller sales with variable quality saw prices fall as much as $10 below week-ago levels. Feedlot operators were taken aback by the sharp decline […]

By Jerry Klassen

May. 24, 2016 at 8:08 pm CDT

Average western Canadian feeder cattle prices were $3-$5 above week-ago levels, with top-quality larger groups trading as much as $8-$10 higher. While current pen closeouts remain underwater, the deferred positions are somewhat brighter, which has rejuvenated buying enthusiasm. Most risk management strategies rely on cattle feeders staying in the game […]

By Jerry Klassen

May. 17, 2016 at 7:36 pm CDT

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $5-$8 above week-ago levels with quality groups of steers selling for as much as $10 higher. Renewed optimism surfaced amongst feedlot operators as feeding margins appear to be moving above break-even pen closeout values. Auction markets that only had two or three major buyers […]

By Jerry Klassen

May. 10, 2016 at 11:59 am CDT

Alberta fed cattle prices dropped sharply last week, with dressed sales falling $10 to $20 from seven days earlier. Despite the weakening Canadian dollar, wholesale beef prices also fell US$10/cwt which offset any currency benefit. Feedlot operators froze with disbelief as the market suffered one of the sharpest week-over-week declines […]

By Jerry Klassen

May. 2, 2016 at 7:54 pm CDT

The feeder cattle market feels like a falling dagger — and trying to pick a bottom can be painful. Western Canadian auction markets saw heavier replacements over 800 lbs. fall $8-$12 compared to last week; calves were generally $5-$8 below week-ago levels. Feedlot buying interest was once again limited to […]

By Jerry Klassen