Current Markets & Forecasts

The western Canadian fed market had another disappointing week, and continues to underperform relative to the U.S. and Ontario markets. Dressed sales are reported slightly higher compared to last week. Small volumes of western Canadian fed cattle were marketed into the U.S. The Alberta fed cash-to-futures basis is the weakest for early February in over…

Sale volumes were too light to establish a weighted average fed price. It was a disappointing week as both Ontario and U.S. fed prices were stronger than the western Canadian fed market. Dressed bids/sales were reported steady with two weeks ago. Most of the cattle on offer were passed with some cattle being reallocated to…

Sale volumes were too light to establish a weighted average fed price, but the market tone was steady. Last week dressed sales and bids were reported $362-365/cwt delivered. U.S. packer interest was noted but no cash sales were confirmed. The few cattle that traded were scheduled for March delivery. Tentatively Alberta fed cash-to-futures basis did…

Alberta fed prices closed last week at $218.75/cwt, $0.50/cwt lower compared to the second half of December. Over the past couple of years, January has not necessarily been the friendliest month for the cattle feeder. Last week, buying interest was noted from all three Western Canadian packers, however, competition on the cash market was limited…

Many feedlots have indicated a large percentage of their cattle for the first quarter of this year are contracted and cash numbers will be light. With packers having a large percentage of their cattle procured via contracts, cash leverage has been limited and this trend might continue over the next couple of months. Over the…

In Alberta last week, the weighted average price was $219/cwt live, down $1.60/cwt from the previous week. Dressed trade was reported from $362-363/cwt FOB, $3.75-7.00/cwt lower. Heifer trade was too light to establish a weekly trend. Steer carcass weights in the West last week were 983 lb, re-establishing a new all-time high and were two…

The Canfax fed steer price closed the week around $221/cwt, $4/cwt lower than the previous week. All three Western Canadian packers bought cattle but competition on the cash market was somewhat disappointing. In some instances, packers were limiting the amount of cattle they were buying from each producer. Last week, dressed sales were reported from…

Average retail beef prices have finally turned lower after trending counter-seasonally higher through the summer. If seasonal trends play out for the remainder of 2023, retail beef prices will decline a significant 7 per cent in October, rebound 10 per cent in November, then decline 12 per cent in December. Retail prices (stewing cuts, striploin…