Insights and Stories on Heifers

Jul. 9, 2024 at 9:25 am CDT

For the week ending July 2, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier for larger packages. Small groups of 800-pound-plus cattle were $10 to $15 discounted to pen-sized lots. Calf markets were relatively unchanged from the prior week, although volume was limited. There is significant open demand for yearlings and finishing feedlot operators are watching how prices develop.  

By Jerry Klassen

Jul. 2, 2024 at 9:36 am CDT

For the week ending June 29, Western Canadian yearling and calf markets were unchanged from seven days earlier. Many auction barns are in holiday mode and volumes were light, making the market hard to define. Late blooming stragglers and off grade calves were common.

By Jerry Klassen

Jun. 25, 2024 at 9:13 am CDT

Alberta and Saskatchewan heifer placements in the lighter weight categories are down from year-ago levels. Comments from ranchers and order buyers suggest that Western Canadian ranchers are holding back on heifers to expand the herd. This usually results in a narrowing of the steer/heifer spread.

By Jerry Klassen

Jun. 18, 2024 at 9:38 am CDT

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were quoted $5 lower to $5 higher on average in the week ending June 15. However, quality packages of yearlings traded $5 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels 

By Jerry Klassen

Jun. 4, 2024 at 9:18 am CDT

For the week ending June 1, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to the previous week. It’s that time of year when volumes are limited and the market can be quite variable from region to region.

By Jerry Klassen