Current Markets & Forecasts

From their highs in late June, fed cattle prices have declined $12/cwt. The leverage shift from cattle feeder to packer is seasonally occurring, reflected in softer prices and weaker basis levels. That said, fed prices for July will average around $240/cwt, the second-highest monthly price on record. Dressed sales were reported at mostly $395/cwt delivered….

Western Canadian fed cattle prices continued to soften as we head into the dog days of summer. This is not unusual; between June and August, fed steer prices have softened in seven of the last ten years, and 13 of the last 20 years. Steers eased $1.50/cwt lower to $238/cwt, and heifers were down $1/cwt…

The Canfax fed steer price closed the week at around $242/cwt, $2.50/cwt lower than the previous week. This is the second week in a row that prices have declined. Last week, dressed sales were reported at mostly $406/cwt delivered. Most of the cattle that traded were scheduled for early August delivery. Alberta fed cash-to-futures basis…

The Canfax fed steer price closed last week at around $244.75/cwt, $3/cwt lower than the previous week. Fed prices dipped lower after eight straight weeks of stronger prices. The bulk of trade occurred from $407-410/cwt delivered. Kill schedules remain from immediate to five weeks out. Fed cattle/cow exports to the U.S. for the week of…

Cow-calf pairs and yearling grassers are working away, turning marginal land and perennial grasses into high-value food for Canadian consumers. Now that calving and planting are in the rear-view mirror, talk has turned to expectations for the calf and feeder market this fall. The Canadian beef cow herd as of January 1 is down 2.5…

The Canfax fed steer price closed the week at around $246.75/cwt, $0.50/cwt higher than the previous week. The story has pretty much been the same over the past few weeks – higher prices and new record highs. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $409.25-413.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Cattle that traded were being scheduled anywhere…

Fed cattle supplies are the most current they have been in some time. Feedlot margins have just recently turned positive. Steer and heifer calves (550lb) placed in September 2022 and sold on the cash market in June 2023 are $300-400/head positive. For the month of June, this stands as the fourth-highest return for steer and…

The Canfax fed steer price closed the week at around $245.50/cwt, $3.75/cwt higher than the previous week. Over the past six weeks, fed prices have rallied $20/cwt. Last week, dressed sales were reported $406.50-410.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Cattle that traded were being scheduled anywhere from immediate delivery to the first half of July delivery. Feedlot…

Fed cattle prices once again established new highs, and weighted average steer prices closed above $240/cwt. Competition on the cash market was good, with both major packers buying cattle. Dressed sales were reported from $400-405/cwt delivered. Most of the cattle that traded would be picked up in one to two weeks. There were a few…

The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week at around $237.25/cwt, $2/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed prices have strengthened in 22 out of the past 23 weeks. Last week, dressed sales were reported $395.50-398.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Cattle that traded were being scheduled anywhere from immediate delivery to the second half…