More records fall
Canadian fed cattle jumped higher last week but failed to keep pace with the surging U.S. market, which set new records on the tight supply of market ready cattle.
The Canfax fed steer average rose to $138.51 per hundredweight, up $4.87 in thin cash trade. There was no heifer price trend.
Some of the buying interest was from the United States at a good premium over Canadian prices.
Cash cattle in the U.S. Plains fetched up to $144 US per cwt. The Alberta fed cash to futures basis closed the week slightly weaker at -$14.66 Cdn.
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Canfax cattle market report – September 4, 2025
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The Chicago February live cattle contract closed above $140 US per cwt., taking out the previous high of $138.40 set in December of 2012.
U.S. wholesale beef prices also set new record highs, raising the question of when consumers will balk and turn to cheaper pork and chicken.
Cattle weight gains have not been spectacular this winter. Producers who thought they would have more cash cattle on hand are instead delivering only against contracts.
With current cash supplies and packers lifting cattle within a week, some producers were hesitant to list cattle last week as dressing percentage has started to decline.
Western Canadian fed slaughter totalled 28,958 head, up 13 percent from the same week last year.
Cow prices up
A moderate offering saw D1, D2 and D3 prices rise almost $3.
D1, D2 cows ranged $77-$88 to average $82.30. D3s were $69-$79 to average $73.75.
The rail grade range was $159-$164 per cwt.
Butcher bulls rose more than $5 higher to average $88.10 per cwt.
Weekly western Canadian non-fed slaughter to Jan. 11 rose 12 percent to 8,554 head.
More slaughter cows are anticipated at market in the next few weeks as the weather moderates.
Feeder prices jump
Profitable feeding margins fueled strong buyer interest in feeders, and prices surged more than $10 per cwt.
Steer calves 300-600 pounds rose $10-$16, and comparable heifers rose $14.50-$19.
Feeders 600-700 lb. rose $9.50-$10.50. Those heavier than 700 lb. were $4-$9 higher.
Auction volumes got back to normal as warmer weather facilitated shipping.
Alberta auction volumes rose to 24,592 head, up 34 percent over last year at the same time.
Ample supplies of feed grain and attractive insurance and forward priced contracts will stimulate feeder demand.
Competition should intensify.
A wide feeder basis is also attracting U.S. buyer attention.
Beef hits records
U.S. boxed beef prices soared with Choice up $16.74 US per cwt. to $228.79 and Select up $16.46 to $225.51. However, packer margins were squeezed by the strong fed cattle price.
Canadian weekly cut-out values to Jan. 11 rose with AAA up $1.10 Cdn at $212.11 and AA up $4.16 at $209.99.
Cattle on feed
The number of cattle in Alberta and Saskatchewan on feed Jan. 1 was 990,333, up three percent from last year at the same time but steady with the five year average.
Record fed prices during December encouraged producers to market short fed yearlings.
Fed marketings rose seven percent to 98,067, but that number is still low by historic standards.
Ample cow supplies allowed packers to add them to the slaughter mix.
Western Canadian federally inspected cow slaughter was up 18 percent compared to the previous year.
Feeder exports to the U.S. in Dec-ember were brisk.
Placements in December were 80,066 head, the lowest since reporting began in 2000.
This cattle market information is selected from the weekly report from Canfax, a division of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. More market information, analysis and statistics are available by becoming a Canfax subscriber by calling 403-275-5110 or at www.canfax.ca.
