For the week ending May 31, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $10 lower on average. Dryer grass conditions in certain regions of Manitoba and central and northern Saskatchewan may have contributed to the softer tone at certain locations. Many feedlot operators continue to sit on their hands for the […] Read more
Stories by Jerry Klassen - Analysis
Klassen: Lower beef production forecasts support feeder complex
Improving feedlot margins contributed to the stronger feeder market. Alberta packers were buying finished cattle on a dressed basis at $500/cwt delivered which was fresh record high. Using a 60 per cent grading, this equates to a live price of $300/cwt. Feedlot breakeven pen closeouts are in the range of $260-$270/cwt. Feedlots are anxious to reload and larger groups of quality packages are limited at this time of year.
Feeder market good example of inelastic demand
A small change in supply can have a large influence on price, and the market is reflecting lower production estimates
For the week ending May 23, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $5-$10 per hundredweight higher on average than seven days earlier.
Buying interest subsides in feeder cattle market
For the week ending May 16, western Canadian feeder markets were steady to $6 higher on average compared to seven days earlier.
Feeder cattle market braces for heifer retention
Many auction barns are only holding sales every two or three weeks at this time of year
For the week ending May 9, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $5 higher, on average.
Higher wholesale beef supports cattle prices
Finishing lots are placing larger volumes of lightweight calves in custom lots to secure yearling supplies in the fall
For the week ending May 2, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier.
Fall fed cattle supply concerns strengthen feeder complex
For the week ending April 25, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $4 to $8 above prices from seven days earlier.
Feeder market returns to historical high levels
Feeding margins are going to move into negative territory on both sides of the border during June and July
For the week ending April 17, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $10 higher compared to seven days earlier.
Western Canadian feeder market continues upward trend
For the week ending April 11, western Canadian feeder market continues upward trend
Feeder market digests U.S. tariff structure
Cow-calf and backgrounding operators should use strength in cattle markets to protect against potential market volatility
For the week ending April 4, the feeder cattle market was hard to define. Many auction barns did not have sales.
