Klassen: Western Canadian feeder cattle market consolidates

Feedlot margins remain in negative territory but there is extreme optimism for fed cattle prices in the deferred positions. For the week ending September 5, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $5-$10/cwt on either side of unchanged compared to seven days earlier. The market remains in price discovery mode as larger volumes are coming the market. Feature yearling sales attracted stronger buying interest with finishing lots anxious to secure ownership. Feedlot margins remain in negative territory but there is extreme optimism for fed cattle prices in the deferred positions. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $490-$495/cwt, down $5-$7/cwt from the previous week. Using a 60 per cent grading, live prices would equate to $294-$297/cwt delivered. The breakeven price on these finished cattle is around $330/cwt. More beef cattle coverage: Smart cattle tags aren't just about GPS tracking anymore The video sale at the VJV location in Ponoka included a larger package of black steers averaging around 979 pounds off grass, with full veterinary records (including implants). These sold for $440/cwt fob Tiger Lily, Alberta. At the same location, a group of 27 mixed heifers with a mean weight of 945 pounds and processing data (no implants and open) exited the ring at $426/cwt. The Perlich Bros. market report from Lethbridge included 18 black mixed steers off grass evaluated at 840 pounds, which sold for $519/cwt. At the same location, a group of 149 Angus-cross heifers off grass averaging 814 pounds sold via video at $472/cwt fob ranch near Nanton. At the Ste. Rose auction in Manitoba, a group of 22 mixed steers averaging 714 pounds traded for $552/cwt and a handful of tan mixed heifers weighing 720 pounds sold for $489/cwt. More beef market news: Trump signs orders to support cattle ranchers, stops short of mandatory country-of-origin labelling The NLS market report from Lloydminster included five black mixed steers with a mean weight of 515 pounds that sold for $667/cwt. Another package of nine Angus cross yearling heifers averaging 620 pounds exited the ring at $526/cwt. The NCL market report from Clyde included black steers weighing 452 pounds that sold for $720/cwt; another group of black steers averaging 350 pounds traded for $900/cwt. According to Statistics Canada, calves outside finishing feedlots in Western Canada as of July 1 were 2.894 million head, up 154,000 head from July 1, 2025. This additional volume will likely come on the market in October and November.