Current Markets & Forecasts

The Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $352.50/cwt live, $3.50/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed cattle prices established new highs. This is the sixth consecutive year that first-half price highs have been established in June. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers with dressed sales ranging from $586–$589/cwt FOB…

Alberta fed steer and heifer prices closed the week at $351 and $350/cwt respectively, steady to $2/cwt lower than the previous week. Dressed sales were reported from $580–$590/cwt delivered, steady with the previous week. Packers were looking for quick delivery cattle. Most of the sales this week were calves, though there were some late yearlings…

Alberta fed steers and heifers made new highs last week. Seasonally, fed prices are expected to make a summer peak in the coming weeks. Dressed sales were reported stronger than the previous week. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers. Cattle were scheduled for first half of June to mid-July delivery. U.S. interest…

The first quarter of 2026 saw an impressive cattle market. Alberta fed steer prices rallied 10 per cent from January to mid-April, surpassing the five- and ten-year indices of eight per cent and three per cent, respectively. Historically, prices peak in June with another three to eight per cent rally ahead of us. Spring grilling…

Following nineteen consecutive weeks of higher fed prices, the market took a modest step backwards. The Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $343/cwt live, $1/cwt lower than the previous week. From a supply perspective, there was a good mix of fed calves and yearlings marketed last week, and there was no price…

Alberta fed steer and heifer prices closed the week $6–$9/cwt higher than the previous week. Dressed sales were reported from $573–$580/cwt delivered, $8–$13/cwt stronger. Cattle that traded were scheduled for late-May to mid-June delivery. U.S. interests were noted, and light volumes were traded south. U.S. sales were comparable with local live deals. For the week…

Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $338/cwt live, $3/cwt higher than the previous week. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers but competition on the cash market was somewhat limited. Light trade was reported with dressed sales ranging from $560.00–$565.00/cwt FOB the feedlot. Cattle that traded would…

In April, Canada Beef embarked on its first trip to China since the restoration of market access, driven in part by the inroads achieved in this market since January 2026 and an export diversification strategy focused on markets with the greatest promise for Canadian beef. Canada Beef Vice President, Export Market Development, Albert Eringfeld, participated in…

The fed cattle market has put together an impressive run, strengthening for the past seventeen weeks. The combination of new market access to China, tighter cattle supplies, and the seasonal spring rally have all been supportive. Beef production is slightly below last year, yet prices are 16 per cent higher than last year. Dressed sales…