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AB Direct - Steers

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AB Direct - Heifers

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US Trade- Steers

Live: 203.00 (TX, KN)
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US Trade - Heifers

Live: 203.00 (TX, KN)
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Canadian Dollar

$69.90
0.15

Canfax Weekly Article | Report for the week of January 27, 2025

In Alberta last week, weighted average fed steer and heifer prices closed the week around $266/cwt live, $2/cwt lower than the previous week. With historically strong fed prices, some cattle are being pulled forward and sold ahead of schedule. Inventory wise feedlots are very current as Western Canadian carcass weights are 50 lb below last year. Light trade was reported last week with dressed sales reported from $444.00-448.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. U.S. packer interest was quiet last week, and no negotiated cash sales were reported. Western Canadian packers have scaled back hours to match tighter cattle supplies.

Last week, the Canfax average feeder steer and heifer price was steady $2/cwt lower. Week over week, the large price decline was on steer calves from 4-600 lbs with prices down 8-10/cwt. The forward delivery market was lightly tested last week, AB 950+ lb steers for late summer/early fall delivery traded in the low $360’s/cwt. During the first quarter of 2024, a lot of forward delivery sales for 950 lb+ grass steers were in the $330/cwt area, suggesting prices are $30/cwt higher than a year ago. Alberta auction volumes were just over 42,000 head, 12,000 head larger than last year. Canadian feeder cattle exports to the U.S. for the week ending January 11th were 2,072 head.

Last week, Alberta D2 cows traded $2/cwt lower and live trade was reported from $175-195/cwt. D3 cows averaged $170/cwt. Alberta cow prices are trading at a slight premium compared to the US market. Butcher bulls traded $1.50/cwt lower, averaging $201.75/cwt, with a range from $185-222/cwt. Canadian butcher bull exports to the US for the week ending January 11th were 172 head.

Bull

  • USDA January 1st cattle on feed report should be viewed as bullish as feedlot placements came in below industry estimates.
  • Live cattle futures contracts established new all-time highs.
  • The All-fresh beef retail price for the month of December was 2 per cent higher than last year.

Bear

  • Threat of possible U.S. tariffs is concerning.
  • Alberta fed cash to cash basis levels are the weakest since 2005.
  • For six consecutive months Canadian beef exports (June to November) have been below last year.

Listen

For the January episode of The Bovine, Brenna Grant, Executive Director of Canfax Research Services, joins host Kara Mastel to explore the potential impacts of a proposed 25 per cent U.S. tariff on Canadian goods. From fluctuating exchange rates to exploring alternative markets like Japan and Korea, Brenna provides analysis on what cattle producers can expect and how they can prepare.

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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. Those interested in becoming Canfax members can sign up on the website at www.canfax.ca.

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Cattle Report

Updated: 12/02/2025

Steers

Live: ---
Rail: ---

Heifers

Live: ---
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Choice Steers

Live: 203.00 (TX, KN)
Rail: ---

Choice Heifers

Live: 203.00 (TX, KN)
Rail: ---

Boner Cows

Over 500 lbs: 261.81

Canadian Dollar

$69.90   0.15

Livestock Price Insurance Index

Expiry Fed Feeder Calf
14-Apr-25 262 366 --
12-May-25 26 364 --
9-Jun-25 272 364 --
7-Jul-25 264 -- --
4-Aug-25 258 -- --
1-Sep-25 254 370 --
29-Sep-25 250 368 --
Last Updated on January 17, 2025