Insights and Stories on Steers

Jan. 9, 2024 at 9:32 am CST

The holiday break for the cattle market is analogous to an the intermission between periods of hockey game. Feedlot operators assess inventory and to focus on the market structure. They’re planning their purchase strategy for the next couple months.

By Jerry Klassen

Jan. 2, 2024 at 9:42 am CST

The last full week of 2023 was characterized by lower volumes and limited buying interest. Feedlot operators don’t want to weigh down schedules of hired hands over the holidays. Many auction barns were closed for the season while some held bred cows and bred heifer sales.

By Jerry Klassen

Dec. 19, 2023 at 9:47 am CST

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged, to as much as $10 lower compared to last week. Demand for heifers was suffering last week. A weaker tone was noted in the Eastern prairie regions as Ontario demand appeared to evaporate last week. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $368-$370/cwt, down $7-$8 from last week.

By Jerry Klassen

Dec. 12, 2023 at 11:54 am CST

Strength was noted in calves under 650 pounds while feeders over 700 pounds were relatively unchanged. Larger packages of weaned quality genetics were $8 to $10 higher in some cases.

By Jerry Klassen

Dec. 5, 2023 at 10:04 am CST

Strength was noted in Manitoba and Saskatchewan while a softer tone was evident in Alberta. Once again, buyers shrugged off the weaker feeder cattle futures and the focus was on filling year-end orders. Alberta and Saskatchewan feedlots are carrying larger numbers but there appears to be sufficient bunk capacity available to sustain the price structure.

By Jerry Klassen