A group of mostly brown and white cattle in a large outdoor pen at a feedlot.

Feeder market eyes deferred delivery prices

Larger Alberta operations were aggressive and competition was fierce with Ontario orders evident across Western Canada

For the week ending June 27, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier.







Various cuts of beef on display in the meat section of a grocery store.

Feeder market follows fed prices higher

Feedlots report margins of $500-$720 per head through May, which has been the main factor driving the feeder market

For the week ending June 6, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $15 per hundredweight higher in some cases.



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Prairie forecast: Mostly warm and dry weather expected

Forecast issued May 28, covering May 28 to June 4, 2025

We start off with high pressure dominating most of the Prairies. A large surface high is sitting over the north-central U.S. This is beginning to tap into more heat and moisture, which will allow for warmer daytime highs and nighttime lows as dewpoints creep up.

(Geralyn Wichers photo)

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.