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.
Tag Archives Jerry Klassen — page 3
Feeder market experiences volatility at historical highs
For the week ending May 30, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to as much as $10 lower on average.
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.
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.
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.
Feeder cattle follow live cattle futures higher
For the week ending March 2, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $5 higher on average.
