Current Markets & Forecasts

The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week at around $237.25/cwt, $2/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed prices have strengthened in 22 out of the past 23 weeks. Last week, dressed sales were reported $395.50-398.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Cattle that traded were being scheduled anywhere from immediate delivery to the second half…

The Western Canadian fed market still has wind in its sails, whereas this has not necessarily been the case for Ontario and the U.S., as both of these markets have either traded steady or lower. Trading $5.50/cwt higher, Western Canadian fed prices averaged over $237/cwt. With higher prices and stronger basis levels, producers did end…

The Western Canadian fed market has clearly exceeded expectations as prices continue to rally, setting new highs. Over the past seven weeks, fed prices have rallied $20/cwt going from $210/cwt to now averaging in the low $230s/cwt. Competition on the cash market was good, with both major packers buying cattle. Dressed sales were reported from…

The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week at around $225/cwt, mostly steady with the previous week. Seasonally, yearling supplies are declining, while fed calf volumes remain light. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $377-380.50/cwt FOB the lot. Most of the cattle that traded were being scheduled for the first half of…

With fed prices moving above $220/cwt, feedlot margins have gone from negative to positive, and lift times have tightened considerably. From a supply perspective, the market is currently in the process of working through what could be the tightest market-ready numbers that we could see all year. Yearling supplies are winding down, while fed calf…

The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week at around $222.50/cwt, $5/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed prices have traded higher for 17 consecutive weeks. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $367-373.50/cwt FOB the lot. Most of the cattle that traded were being scheduled for the week of April 17 and…

Alberta-fed steers climbed over $3/cwt last week to $217.59/cwt live FOB the lot. Alberta steer prices have rallied $9.70/cwt in the last four weeks, while steer carcass weights have dropped 23 lb in the west. Steer weights are now 53 lb below year-ago levels and 15 lb lighter than the five-year average. There was insufficient…

The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week at around $213.50/cwt, $2.75/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed prices have traded higher for 15 consecutive weeks, gaining $31/cwt. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $351.50-360.50/cwt FOB the lot. Most of the cattle that traded were being scheduled for mid-April delivery. Competition on…

Alberta fed steers climbed over $4/cwt last week and closed at $350.70/cwt dressed in a wide $349-355.50/cwt range FOB the lot. Sale volumes were light with only 3,833 head trading. Repeatability on heifer trade was not fully established. Lift times are one to two weeks out, though some feedlots are opting for May delivery. YTD…

The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week at around $207/cwt, $3.75/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed prices have traded higher for thirteen consecutive weeks, establishing new record highs. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $345.75-346.50/cwt FOB the lot. Competition on the cash market was limited, with one packer buying most…