Current Markets & Forecasts

Cash market buying interest was not surprisingly sluggish last week following the 72-hour CP Rail lockout notice, but moderate volume trade did develop. Dressed prices trended steady to firmer with the bulk of sales reported from $274-275/cwt delivered. Weighted average steer prices closed the week $1.66/cwt higher than the previous week averaging $163.38/cwt and heifers…

Last week the Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed around $162/cwt, $0.50/cwt lower than the previous week. Competition on the cash market was limited, and with the potential strike at Canadian Pacific Railways one packer was not bidding on cattle last week. Dressed sales were reported from $269.00-273.50/cwt FOB lot. Cattle that traded last…

Last week the Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed around $161.75/cwt, $1.75/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed cattle prices have strengthened for three weeks in a row, gaining $5/cwt. Last week dressed sales were reported from $269.00-273.50/cwt FOB lot. Cattle that traded last week were being scheduled for the week of March 28th…

Last week the Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed around $160/cwt, $1.50/cwt higher than the previous week. Last week dressed sales were reported from $267.50-273.50/cwt FOB lot. Cattle that traded last week were being scheduled for the week of March 14 and 21 delivery. The Canfax average feeder steer price closed the week $2/cwt higher…

The western Canadian fed market has been disappointing on many levels. Weekly dressed sales were reported from $260-275/cwt delivered. Cattle were being scheduled for the week of March 14th delivery. On some sales, a $2/cwt dressed premium would be added to the negotiated sale price if the cattle graded over 70% AAA. Western Canadian steer…

Last week the Canfax fed heifer price closed around $158.25/cwt, $2/cwt lower than the previous week. Both major packers were not bidding on fed cattle last week, reported cash sales went to a couple smaller plants in Alberta. Last week dressed sales were reported from $258.50-268.50/cwt FOB lot. Cattle that traded last week were being…

The market heading into 2022 looks positive, but unfortunately, high feed costs have taken a bite out of calf and feeder prices. The fall cattle market had its share of challenges. Ample fed supplies kept fed prices relatively flat to start the fourth quarter, cow prices hit some of the lowest prices in over 10…

Last week the Canfax fed steer price closed around $160.25/cwt, $5/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed prices are $10/cwt higher than last year but $3.50/cwt lower than 2020. Last week dressed sales were reported from $257.00-276.50/cwt FOB lot. One packer was limiting the amount of cattle that they were buying from each producer. Cattle…

South Korea has lifted its temporary suspension of Canadian beef imports. The suspension was imposed in December, after an atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was identified in Alberta. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau calls it “great news for our cattle sector, who provide the world with safe, high-quality beef.” The regulations…

It was a disappointing week for the western Canadian fed market with prices declining $6-7/cwt. Fed cattle prices are $6/cwt higher than last year but $8/cwt lower than 2020 and $5/cwt lower than 2019. Competition on the cash market was limited with one packer not bidding. Dressed sales ranged from $260-262/cwt delivered, and cattle that…