market reports

Western Canadian auction volumes (live and electronic/forward delivery) at 2.5 million head in 2025, were down seven per cent from the prior year and down 14 per cent from the 2023 high. Of note, this is also the smallest annual volume on record going back to 2005. Total volumes were below a year ago every…

The Western Canadian fed market was a little disappointing given dressed sales in Eastern Canada were $10–20/cwt stronger last week. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $294/cwt live, fully steady with the previous week. Light trade was reported with dressed sales ranging from $492.00–493.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Competition on…

Western Canadian and U.S. prices have been moving in opposite directions as of late. Weighted average fed prices closed $1.00–$2.00/cwt lower in Western Canada last week. Very light dressed sales were reported from $505.00–$508.00/cwt delivered. Competition on the cash market was limited, with one major packer not bidding. Cattle that traded were scheduled for delivery…

Alberta fed prices are holding near record highs. Traditionally, this time of the year fed prices are putting in annual lows. Since the beginning of July, fed prices have rallied 7 per cent. Looking at the past fifteen years, this puts it as the second-largest third-quarter price rally, with only 2011 being larger when prices…

Alberta fed prices averaged in the low $300s/cwt last week. The fed market has exceeded expectations as annual price highs in August are very uncommon as this only occurred once over the past fifty years. Western Canadian fed prices were 22 per cent higher than last year and 38 per cent higher than the three-year…

The summer fed market has been rather impressive as fed prices established new highs. Only once in the past 50 years have fed prices ever established annual highs in August, and that was in 2008. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $301/cwt live, $1.50/cwt higher than the previous week….

Alberta fed prices continue to strengthen, which is uncommon for the summer months. Despite historically strong prices, Alberta fed prices were at a sizeable discount to both the U.S. and Ontario markets. Alberta fed prices were trading at around $35.00-$38.00/cwt discount against the Nebraska market, the weakest basis since 2005. Dressed sales were reported from…

Report for the week of August 04, 2025 The summer fed market has been rather impressive as fed prices established new highs. The Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $300.50/cwt live, $2.50/cwt higher than previous week. Light trade was reported last week with dressed sales reported from $501.50-504.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Buying…