Canfax Report for the week of November 17, 2025

Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer prices rebounded less than $1.00/cwt, with steers averaging $296.00/cwt and heifers near $294.00/cwt. Dressed sales were reported from $493.00–$495.00/cwt delivered, steady with the previous week. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery throughout December. U.S. packer interest was noted, and light volumes of Western Canadian cattle were marketed South. Sales to the U.S. were at a premium over local deals. Based on the four-year index, this is typically the time of year when fed steer prices begin to find a floor and look for a December rally.

Last week, Alberta auction volumes were 59,056 head, down 3 per cent compared to the five-year average. Canfax average feeder steers closed the week $16.00/cwt lower, while heifers were down $14.00/cwt. Peak fall calf numbers are now behind us, and volumes should gradually decline through the end of the year. Eastern Canadian buyers have been relatively quiet in the Western Canadian feeder market, with logistical factors likely weighing on buying interest. However, Eastern Canadian feedlots have been active on background feeders for 2026 delivery. The 550-pound steer-heifer calf price spread narrowed this week from $81.00/cwt to $69.00/cwt.

Last week, Alberta D2 and D3 cows through commercial auction facilities traded steady to $4.00/cwt higher, and were $32.00–$45.00/cwt stronger than a year ago—finding support after five consecutive weeks of lower prices. Butcher bulls traded steady following six weeks of softer tone. Railgrade cows held steady with last week, ranging from $415.00–$420.00/cwt, while feeder cows gave back the previous week’s rally, trading $4.00/cwt lower. For the month of October, Alberta D2 cows are trading at a $25.00/cwt premium over Ontario—the widest spread since May.

Bull

• For 2025, cow marketings are projected to be down 12 per cent, with slaughter down 6 per cent and exports down 30 per cent. The beef cow culling rate for 2025 is estimated around 9.3 per cent, down from 11.4 per cent last year and the lowest since 2006.
• The fed market typically rallies in December on tighter supplies.
• From a cost-of-gain perspective, Alberta barley prices are the most competitive they have been in nearly one year compared to the U.S.

Bear

• Over the past month, calves and lightweight stockers have declined $50.00–$100.00/cwt, while feeders over 800 pounds have dropped $25.00–$35.00/cwt.
• Choice and Select cutout values saw pressure, down $4.40/cwt and $5.73/cwt respectively.
• Beef demand is typically softer in November as the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday shifts retail focus toward turkey.