In Alberta last week, the weighted average price was $219/cwt live, down $1.60/cwt from the previous week. Dressed trade was reported from $362-363/cwt FOB, $3.75-7.00/cwt lower. Heifer trade was too light to establish a weekly trend. Steer carcass weights in the West last week were 983 lb, re-establishing a new all-time high and were two…

Average retail beef prices have finally turned lower after trending counter-seasonally higher through the summer. If seasonal trends play out for the remainder of 2023, retail beef prices will decline a significant 7 per cent in October, rebound 10 per cent in November, then decline 12 per cent in December. Retail prices (stewing cuts, striploin…

Sale volumes were too light to establish a weighted average fed price, but the market tone was steady to slightly lower. Last week dressed sales and bids were marked at $385/cwt delivered. Cattle that traded were being scheduled for early January delivery. Competition on the cash market has been limited, in some instances packers were…

Following 12 weeks of static pricing, average Alberta fed steer prices slipped to a 28-week low. A combination of negative packer margins, increased formula price commitments, and concerns of recessionary reduced demand, all contributed to softer North American fed cattle prices. Scattered light dressed trade was $3-5/cwt lower than the previous week from $385-387/cwt delivered,…