Current Markets & Forecasts

Western Canadian auction volumes (live and electronic/forward delivery) at 2.5 million head in 2025, were down seven per cent from the prior year and down 14 per cent from the 2023 high. Of note, this is also the smallest annual volume on record going back to 2005. Total volumes were below a year ago every…

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) welcomes the news that Canadian beef access to China has been restored after being wrongfully shut out in 2021. We will continue to work with government officials and industry stakeholders to learn more details, including potential safeguard measures. In addition, CCA was encouraged to see Prime Minister Carney placing a…

Alberta weighted average fed steers closed the week just north of $315/cwt, while heifers were at $313/cwt. Dressed sales were reported from $520–530/cwt delivered, $5–7/cwt stronger than the prior week. Cattle that traded were scheduled from immediate to the first half of March delivery. U.S. packer interest was noted, but no sales were confirmed. Cattle from Saskatchewan…

Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $310/cwt live, $3/cwt higher than the previous week. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers. Light trade was reported with dressed sales ranging from $515.25–523.00/cwt FOB the feedlot. Cattle that traded were being scheduled anywhere from immediate to mid March delivery. U.S. packer…

Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $304/cwt live, $2/cwt higher than the previous week. Over the past two months, fed prices have rallied $20/cwt. Light trade was reported with dressed sales ranging from $505.25–506.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Cattle that traded were being scheduled anywhere from immediate to late February…

Alberta fed steers and heifers closed the week at $303.00/cwt and $301.00/cwt respectively, steady with the previous week. Dressed sales were reported from $505.00–508.00/cwt delivered, mostly at $508.00/cwt, also steady with the previous week. Competition on the cash market was limited. Cattle that traded were scheduled anywhere from immediate to the second half of February…

From a supply perspective, fed calf supplies are declining while yearling volumes are increasing. As more summer-placed yearlings enter the slaughter mix, carcass weights have started to seasonally decline. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $301.50/cwt live, $4/cwt higher than the previous week. Since late November, fed prices have…

The Western Canadian fed market was a little disappointing given dressed sales in Eastern Canada were $10–20/cwt stronger last week. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $294/cwt live, fully steady with the previous week. Light trade was reported with dressed sales ranging from $492.00–493.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Competition on…