AB Direct - Steers

Live: ---
Rail: 404.00 del

AB Direct - Heifers

Live: ---
Rail: 404.00 del

US Trade- Steers

Live: 173.50-180.00 (KN, TX) 183.00-188.00 (NE)
Rail: 285.00-292.50 (NE, IA)

US Trade - Heifers

Live: 173.50-180.00 (KN, TX) 183.00-188.00 (NE)
Rail: 285.00-292.50 (NE, IA)

Canadian Dollar

$74.42
0.03
March 20, 2023
by Canfax

Canfax Weekly Article | Report for the week of March 20, 2023

The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week at around $207/cwt, $3.75/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed prices have traded higher for thirteen consecutive weeks, establishing new record highs. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $345.75-346.50/cwt FOB the lot. Competition on the cash market was limited, with one packer buying most of the cattle. Cattle that traded were being scheduled for the week of March 28 delivery.

The Canfax average feeder steer and heifer price was $2-4/cwt higher. Last week, the largest price jump was 5-600 lb calves, with prices advancing $6/cwt. Heifer calves and light-weight stockers weighing from 3-600 lb, traded $3/cwt stronger. Alberta 8-900 lb feeders traded steady to $2/cwt higher; prices are $54-63/cwt higher than a year ago. Western Canadian barley prices continue to drift lower, trading at the lowest point since September. Alberta auction volumes totaled just more than 28,000 head, 3,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Over the past four weeks, Canadian feeder cattle export to the U.S. have averaged 2,319 head per week, compared to 8,035 head per week last year.

Alberta D2 cows traded $5.75/cwt higher than the previous week, and live trade was reported from $118‑146/cwt. D3 cows averaged $113.50/cwt. Since the beginning of March, cow prices have rallied at $18/cwt. Butcher bulls traded $2/cwt higher, averaging $141.75/cwt, with a trading range from $121-167/cwt. Canadian butcher bull exports to the U.S. for the week ending March 4 totaled 453 head.

Bull:

  • Alberta fed cash-to-futures basis is the strongest since September.
  • U.S. March 1 cattle on feed inventories are 4% lower than last year; furthermore, this is the smallest March 1 on feed inventory since 2017.
  • U.S. packers have fewer March and April contract cattle compared to last year.

Bear:

  • The financial crisis at Silicon Valley Bank spilled into commodity markets, pressuring live and feeder cattle contracts.
  • U.S. beef exports in January were 17% lower than last year, and this was the third month in a row that beef export have been below last year.
  • Primal brisket values continue to struggle relative to loins, ribs, and round prices.

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About the Author

Canfax

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

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Steers

Live: ---
Rail: 404.00 del

Heifers

Live: ---
Rail: 404.00 del

Choice Steers

Live: 173.50-180.00 (KN, TX) 183.00-188.00 (NE)
Rail: 285.00-292.50 (NE, IA)

Choice Heifers

Live: 173.50-180.00 (KN, TX) 183.00-188.00 (NE)
Rail: 285.00-292.50 (NE, IA)

Boner Cows

Over 500 lbs: US$ 202.70

Canadian Dollar

$74.42   0.03

Livestock Price Insurance Index

Expiry Fed Feeder Calf
23-Aug-23 224 288 -
25-Sep-23 224 298 322
23-Oct-23 224 300 322
20-Nov-23 222 298 320
18-Dec-23 222 290 316
15-Jan-24 224 290 -
12-Feb-24 228 298 332
Last Updated on June 1, 2023