Canfax Research Services

The market psychology has dramatically shifted over the past few weeks. Fed prices ground higher over the first six months of the year; however, now prices are coming off in chunks. The Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $330/cwt live, $10/cwt lower than the previous week. Packer competition on the cash market…

Alberta fed steer and heifer trade was $2.00-3.00/cwt higher this week with a weighted average price at $332/cwt and $329/cwt respectively. Dressed sales were reported from $550.00-555.00/cwt delivered, $3.00-4.00/cwt higher than the previous week. Buying interest was noted from all Western Canadian packers. Most of the cattle traded were scheduled for the first half of…

A tighter calving season can make a noticeable difference in calf performance and overall herd profitability. Concentrating births into a defined period increases average weaning weight, improves marketing opportunities, and can simplify herd management. If a tighter calving window could add pounds at weaning and dollars to your bottom line without extra cost, what’s holding…

The Western Canadian fed market has worked higher since the beginning of the year gaining $31/cwt or close to $500/head. Last week, the Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $328/cwt live, up $3.50/cwt from the previous week. From a supply perspective, seasonally yearling numbers are declining while fed calves are still a…

Alberta weighted fed steers and heifers closed the week at $321.00 and $319.00/cwt respectively, $1.00/cwt stronger than the previous week. This is the smallest week-over-week rally since January. Dressed sales were reported from $535.00–539.00/cwt delivered, $4.00–5.00/cwt stronger. Cattle that traded were scheduled from immediate to early April delivery. This is the second consecutive week that…