Alberta fed steer and heifer prices climbed higher again last week. Steers closed up $1.21 to $301.11 per hundredweight, while heifers were up $3.67 at $300.25.
Tag Archives heifers — page 2
Klassen: Stronger fed cattle markets lifts feeder complex
For the week ending June 7, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $15/cwt higher in some cases. Larger packages of quality replacements over 900 pounds were up $10-$15/cwt from prices seven days earlier.
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.
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.
Letting heifers rough it has benefits
Babying heifers through their first winter may not improve the cattle herd. Instead, a late gain system can optimize heifers for reproductive success and reduce feed costs by 12 percent, according to one Alberta veterinarian. Dr. Elizabeth Homerosky says the system helps target first-cycle births and avoids overfeeding animals before they hit grass. There is […] Read more
