Insights and Stories on Feed Prices

Aug. 2, 2016 at 8:09 am CDT

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices continued on a downward trajectory trading $3-$5 below week-ago levels. Erratic buying interest resulted in inconsistent price action across the Prairies which made the market difficult to define. Smaller groups of various quality cattle were on offer, justifying the softer tone, but feedlot operators demonstrated […]

By Jerry Klassen

Jun. 30, 2016 at 4:48 pm CDT

CNS Canada — Lethbridge feed wheat and barley prices have dropped after a muted spring rally — and they’re likely to stay low throughout the summer, market participants say. “They have a weak tone to them. I think a lot of it is lacklustre demand domestically,” said Allen Pirness, trader […]

By Jade Markus

Jun. 14, 2016 at 8:29 pm CDT

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $5 higher over the past week on limited volumes. Stragglers from backgrounding operations and late-blooming calves set a reserved tone amongst buyers with large price variations at different regions of the Prairies. Feedlot margins are hovering around breakeven and there appears to […]

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

Apr. 26, 2016 at 11:30 am CDT

Just when I thought feeder cattle prices were stabilizing, once again the unexpected occurs. A sharp rally in U.S. grain futures, along with weaker fed cattle prices, caused western Canadian feeder cattle to trade $6-$12 lower compared to week-ago levels. Auction markets reported limited buying interest, with often only two […]

By Jerry Klassen