Klassen: Canadian feeder market rationing demand

May 30, 2023

For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian feeder markets averaged $3-$6/cwt higher compared to seven days earlier. Weakness in the Canadian dollar along with strength in the deferred live cattle futures set a positive tone. Recent rains have enhanced yield potential for the Canadian barley crop, which also underpinned nearby cash values. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle around $238/cwt delivered. Feeding margins have improved over the past month and finishing operators are anxious to reload. Calves under 600 lbs. were well bid, with top-quality packages gaining $6-$8/cwt on weekly basis. It appears we’ll eventually see 500-lb. calves trade at $400/cwt. In my straw poll survey, cow-calf producers in Alberta need $2,000 for a 500-lb. steer calf in order to encourage expansion.

In central Alberta, larger-frame medium-flesh steers on light grain ration with full health data weighing just under 1,000 lbs. charted course at $257 and similar quality 900-pounders silenced the crowd at $283. In central Saskatchewan, Angus-based steers with soft butter weighing 825 lbs. were valued at $292 while their sisters averaging 810 lbs. were bid up to $260.

Click here to see more...

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.