Current Markets & Forecasts

Trading $0.88/cwt higher last week, weighted average steer prices set new annual highs and basis levels still remain historically strong. Competition on the cash market was supportive with both major packers getting cattle bought. Dressed sales were reported from $255-256/cwt delivered and cattle were scheduled for 2-3 week delivery. Since the beginning of the year…

Alberta Farmer Express by Alexis Kienlen It was a response to a crisis that threatened to overwhelm Alberta’s cattle sector — but seven months later the cattle set-aside program has come to an end. And it’s clear it’s been a success, says the chair of the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association. “I think the program did…

Averaging over $151/cwt, weighted average steer prices last week were the highest since March. Western Canadian fed prices were however $12/cwt below last year and $13.50/cwt lower than the five-year average. Fed prices for the month of January are on track to average around $150/cwt, the lowest January average price since 2014. Dressed sales were…

Last year saw major cattle/beef supply chain issues which resulted in very volatile slaughter cattle markets. Although processing levels recovered and exceeded a year ago in the second half of 2020, supply chain issues in the second quarter weighed on the market throughout the rest of the year as it took months to work through…