Current Markets & Forecasts

The Canfax fed steer price closed the week around $221/cwt, $4/cwt lower than the previous week. All three Western Canadian packers bought cattle but competition on the cash market was somewhat disappointing. In some instances, packers were limiting the amount of cattle they were buying from each producer. Last week, dressed sales were reported from…

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. Last week, dressed sales and bids were reported from $378-383/cwt delivered, $2/cwt lower than the previous week. Tentatively fed cattle prices are at the lowest point since April. From a supply perspective, fed calf supplies have started to wind down, while yearling numbers…

Alberta fed prices continued to trend contra seasonally lower last week on waning cash market leverage. The bulk of trade was reported dressed from $380-385/cwt delivered, steady to $5/cwt lower than previous week rail bids. Light live trade was also reported at $226/cwt freight on board (FOB) the feedlot. Weighted average steer prices eased $1.46/cwt…

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,…

Sale volumes were too light to establish a weighted average fed price, but the market tone was steady. Dressed sales and bids were marked at $390/cwt delivered. Light volumes of Western Canadian fed cattle were marketed into the U.S. These cattle were committed to the U.S. packer on a formula price. Last week the Alberta…

The Alberta fed market has now been range bound for 10 straight weeks and prices once again trended sideways. Dressed sales were marked at $390/cwt delivered and thin reported live trade was generally comparable. The weighted average steer price closed the week at $232.53/cwt. Heifer trade was limited and a weekly price trend was not…

The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week around $232.75/cwt, $0.50/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed cattle prices are $52/cwt higher than last year. Competition on the cash market was decent, with all three Western Canadian packers buying cattle. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $387.75‑389.50/cwt FOB the lot. Cattle that…

Alberta fed steer prices climbed week over week for almost the entire first half of 2023, with only two of 26 weeks where prices slipped from the previous week. New all-time high prices near $248/cwt (live) were established in June. However, since the beginning of July and through the entire month of August, fed steer…