Current Markets & Forecasts

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…

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…

The Western Canadian fed market still has wind in its sails, whereas this has not necessarily been the case for Ontario and the U.S., as both of these markets have either traded steady or lower. Trading $5.50/cwt higher, Western Canadian fed prices averaged over $237/cwt. With higher prices and stronger basis levels, producers did end…

The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week at around $230.75/cwt, mostly steady with the previous week. Fed cattle prices contnue to trade at record high levels. Fed calf supplies continue to be light and many producers were indicating calves need more days on feed before they are marketed.  Last week, dressed sales…

The Western Canadian fed market has clearly exceeded expectations as prices continue to rally, setting new highs. Over the past seven weeks, fed prices have rallied $20/cwt going from $210/cwt to now averaging in the low $230s/cwt. Competition on the cash market was good, with both major packers buying cattle. Dressed sales were reported from…

The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week at around $225/cwt, mostly steady with the previous week. Seasonally, yearling supplies are declining, while fed calf volumes remain light. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $377-380.50/cwt FOB the lot. Most of the cattle that traded were being scheduled for the first half of…

With fed prices moving above $220/cwt, feedlot margins have gone from negative to positive, and lift times have tightened considerably. From a supply perspective, the market is currently in the process of working through what could be the tightest market-ready numbers that we could see all year. Yearling supplies are winding down, while fed calf…