Canfax Weekly Article | Report for the week of September 8, 2025

Alberta fed prices averaged in the low $310s/cwt last week. Western Canadian fed prices have rallied $13.00/cwt over the past month. Not only have prices advanced but basis levels have also strengthened. Dressed sales were reported at $525.00/cwt delivered, $5.00–15.00/cwt stronger than the previous week. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery in the second half of September. Western Canadian fed slaughter volumes have been over 40,000 head in four out of the past five weeks. Increased slaughter rates have supported demand for cash cattle. For the week ending August 30th, Western Canadian B4 grade cattle totaled more than 1,100 head, the largest volume since September 2022. Warmer temperatures could be contributing to the increase in B4 grade cattle.

Alberta auction volume totaled 20,884 head last week, down 14 per cent from a year ago. Commercial auction facilities across Alberta saw mixed prices, likely reflecting different drought conditions across the regions. Electronic sales accounted for the bulk of transactions at 54 per cent of the total volume. The Canfax average feeder steer and heifer price closed the week $13.00/cwt and $17.00/cwt stronger respectively. Looking at Alberta and U.S. 550-pound steers, for August Alberta is trading at a $22.00/cwt premium, the third largest premium for the year so far. For the week ending August 23rd, Canadian feeder cattle exports to the U.S. were 1,892 head, up 4 per cent from last year. Year-to-date exports are at 102,934 head, 2 per cent above last year.

Alberta D2 and D3 cows through commercial auction markets were steady to $2.00/cwt stronger last week and remain $10.00/cwt below their early summer highs. Butcher bulls and feeder cows came under pressure, softening $1.00–6.00/cwt. Railgrade cows were fully steady. For the month of August, Alberta D2 cows averaged $219.00/cwt, up $26.00/cwt from last year and $95.00/cwt above the five-year average.

Bull

• Alberta feeder market continued to remain impressive, putting in strong prices across the board
• Alberta fed prices over the past month rallied $13.00/cwt and basis levels have also strengthened
• Increased slaughter rates have supported demand for cash cattle

Bear

• Yearling volumes through electronic sales are below seasonal expectations so far
• For the week ending August 30th, Western Canadian B4 grade cattle were over 1,100 head, the largest since September 2022
• Feeder cows and butcher bulls softened $1.00–6.00/cwt