Canfax Weekly Article | Report for the week of Aug 23, 2021

Canfax fed steer and heifer prices closed the week around $153.25/cwt, $2.50/cwt higher than the previous week. Last week dressed sales were reported from $252.50-259.50 FOB lot. Cattle that traded last week were being booked anywhere from immediate to early October delivery. Alberta cash to futures basis weakened going from -$2.68 to -$4.25 last week. 

Last week the Canfax average feeder steer and heifer prices closed the week fully steady. Alberta 5-600 lb steer prices have traded sideways for the past four weeks averaging in the low $220s/cwt. Heifers weighing over 900 lb traded $1/cwt higher and established new annual price highs. Alberta weekly auction volumes totaled just over 41,000 head. Canadian feeder cattle exports to the U.S. for the week ending August 7^th totaled 5,006 head, the largest weekly export volume since April 2020.

Last week Alberta D2 cow prices traded $3.50/cwt lower and live trade was reported from $70-84/cwt. D3 cows averaged $68.25/cwt. Butcher bulls traded $1/cwt higher to average $107.25/cwt and live trade was reported from $95-125/cwt. Canadian butcher bull exports to the US for the week ending August 7^th totaled 976 head.

Bull.

• USDA August 1 Cattle on Feed report should be viewed as neutral to slightly bullish
• The Canadian dollar is trading at the lowest point since February
• Canadian Prime and AAA percentage is higher than last year

Bear.

• Alberta D2 cow prices are trading at the lowest point since February
• For the middle of August, this is the weakest Alberta fed cash to futures basis since 2016
• Holiday beef buying should be winding down as retail and food service segments likely have their Labor Day beef needs covered

For over 50 years, Canfax has provided expert analysis of markets and trends in the ever changing North American beef industry. In this new millennium, cattlemen, feedlot managers, and agri-business professionals will continue to rely on up-to-the-minute information as an essential tool for maximizing profit in today’s beef sector. Whether your operation needs to plan for three hours or three years into the future, Canfax delivers timely, accurate information for 21st Century cattle industry professionals.

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