Current Markets & Forecasts

Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $290/cwt live, $6/cwt higher than the previous week. Light trade was reported with dressed sales from $482.75–487.00/cwt FOB the feedlot. Competition on the cash market was limited with one packer not overly active. Cattle that traded were scheduled for late December and into…

Alberta fed steers and heifers closed the week trading at $286 and $283/cwt respectively, down $9/cwt from the previous week. The live cattle futures complex traded limit down on Monday, November 24 before rebounding mid-week. The U.S. Thanksgiving holiday contributed to softer beef demand. Dressed sales were reported at $475–485/cwt delivered, $10–15/cwt lower than the…

Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer prices rebounded less than $1.00/cwt, with steers averaging $296.00/cwt and heifers near $294.00/cwt. Dressed sales were reported from $493.00–$495.00/cwt delivered, steady with the previous week. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery throughout December. U.S. packer interest was noted, and light volumes of Western Canadian cattle…

Alberta fed prices over the past eight weeks have declined $17/cwt, but the fed market is starting to show signs of stability, holding around $300/cwt. Fed prices are within $3/cwt of their second-half lows made in early July. Dressed sales were reported from $495–$505/cwt delivered. All Western Canadian packers bought cattle, but competition on the cash market was somewhat limited….

Alberta’s beef sector has been relatively fortunate, compared to poultry and swine, having experienced few incursions of rapidly spreading diseases with high rates of mortality. That said, we all remember BSE and the devastating, long-lasting impact it had on our industry. We are a sector that relies on trade. Around 40–50 per cent of our…

Western Canadian and U.S. prices have been moving in opposite directions as of late. Weighted average fed prices closed $1.00–$2.00/cwt lower in Western Canada last week. Very light dressed sales were reported from $505.00–$508.00/cwt delivered. Competition on the cash market was limited, with one major packer not bidding. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery…