Current Markets & Forecasts

Alberta direct fed cattle sales clambered higher again last week to establish a new annual high. Steer prices were the strongest seen since May 2017. The bulk of sales were reported dressed from $300-305/cwt delivered. Light live trade was fully comparable with rail sales. Feedlots were motivated sellers, marketing heavier cattle in anticipation of future…

Traditionally this is the time of the year the fed market is putting in its summer low, instead the Western Canadian fed market continues to grind higher setting new annual price highs. Weekly dressed sales were reported from $302-304/cwt delivered, cattle that traded last week were being scheduled for the week of October 17th delivery….

Overwhelmed with the buy/sell/hold decision for feed? Wondering what you can do to support your bottom line when you sell animals at the same time every year? Market analysts suggest honing in on the factors you can control, and identifying options to mitigate against risk. COVID-19, drought, and international turmoil took centre stage in market…

Western Canadian fed markets continue to grind higher, setting new annual highs. Prices have been higher in eight out of the past nine weeks, gaining $6/cwt over that time frame. Dressed sales were reported from $302-304/cwt delivered, cattle that traded were being scheduled for late September/early October delivery. Western Canadian B4 grade cattle (dark cutters)…

The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed around $179/cwt $0.50/cwt higher than the previous week. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $298.50-300.50/cwt FOB the lot.  Lift times were all over the map depending on who bought the cattle. Two packers were buying for September delivery while the other packer was buying cattle for…

Western Canadian fed prices continue to edge higher, setting new annual price highs. Even though sale volumes were light, competition on the cash market was decent with all three Western Canadian packers bidding on cattle. Most dressed sales were reported at $300/cwt delivered and were scheduled for mid-September delivery. Recent slaughter volumes have been somewhat…

Establishing new annual highs, the Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed around $176.75/cwt. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $294.50-296.50/cwt FOB the lot. Most of the cattle that traded were being scheduled for early September delivery. Competition on the cash market was decent with all three Western Canadian packers buying cattle. Premiums were…

Competition on the Western Canadian cash market was decent, and a stronger price tone was noted as the week progressed. Weekly dressed sales were reported from $295-297/cwt delivered. Delivery dates seem to be tightening up a little bit, cattle that traded were being scheduled for late August/early September delivery. Alberta fed prices traded at an…

Last week, Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed around $174.75/cwt, $0.75/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed cattle prices are $25/cwt higher than last year. Last week dressed sales were reported from $291.50-292.50/cwt FOB the lot. Most of the cattle that traded last week were being scheduled for late August/early September delivery. Last week…

Last week, Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed around $174/cwt, down slightly from the previous week. For the second half of June this is the second highest price on record. Fed prices have been mostly steady over the past seven weeks, averaging in the mid $170s/cwt. Last week dressed sales were reported from $290-292/cwt…