Current Markets & Forecasts

Alberta fed prices over the past eight weeks have declined $17/cwt, but the fed market is starting to show signs of stability, holding around $300/cwt. Fed prices are within $3/cwt of their second-half lows made in early July. Dressed sales were reported from $495–$505/cwt delivered. All Western Canadian packers bought cattle, but competition on the cash market was somewhat limited….

Alberta’s beef sector has been relatively fortunate, compared to poultry and swine, having experienced few incursions of rapidly spreading diseases with high rates of mortality. That said, we all remember BSE and the devastating, long-lasting impact it had on our industry. We are a sector that relies on trade. Around 40–50 per cent of our…

Western Canadian and U.S. prices have been moving in opposite directions as of late. Weighted average fed prices closed $1.00–$2.00/cwt lower in Western Canada last week. Very light dressed sales were reported from $505.00–$508.00/cwt delivered. Competition on the cash market was limited, with one major packer not bidding. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery…

Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $302.50/cwt live, $2.50/cwt lower than the previous week. Fed prices have declined for four consecutive weeks, dropping $13/cwt. Light trade was reported last week, with dressed sales from $504.50–506.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Competition on the cash market was mixed; one major Western Canadian…

The best way to describe the feeder market in western Canada is ON FIRE, as steer calves and yearling look to find the top of their markets. This bullish market for calves and feeders is well into its fourth year, with the rally beginning in the fourth quarter of 2021 and only very small periods…

Alberta fed prices are holding near record highs. Traditionally, this time of the year fed prices are putting in annual lows. Since the beginning of July, fed prices have rallied 7 per cent. Looking at the past fifteen years, this puts it as the second-largest third-quarter price rally, with only 2011 being larger when prices…

Alberta fed prices averaged in the low $300s/cwt last week. The fed market has exceeded expectations as annual price highs in August are very uncommon as this only occurred once over the past fifty years. Western Canadian fed prices were 22 per cent higher than last year and 38 per cent higher than the three-year…

The summer fed market has been rather impressive as fed prices established new highs. Only once in the past 50 years have fed prices ever established annual highs in August, and that was in 2008. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $301/cwt live, $1.50/cwt higher than the previous week….