Klassen: Feeder cattle market starts 2026 with stronger tone

For the week ending January 10, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets have been up $8-$10/cwt on common in comparison with three weeks earlier. Power was famous in backgrounded pre-conditioned replacements weighing 700 kilos plus. High quality genetic packages with full processing have been up $20/cwt in some circumstances.

The climate was fairly variable and feedlots have skilled above regular circumstances of pneumonia over the previous month. Feedlot operators have been keen to pay premiums on vaccinated feeders.

Extra livestock protection: Cattle traceability regulations on hold, for now

Ontario shopping for curiosity set the worth construction in lots of circumstances with orders stretching into north-central Alberta.

The TEAM Public sale report had medium to bigger body Fleckvieh Simmental-cross purple steers averaging 1,020 kilos with full processing information on backgrounding silage and barley weight-reduction plan valued at $450 fob farm close to Carrot Creek, Alberta. Southeast of Edmonton, a farmer reported a bigger package deal of Angus cross heifers averaging 925 kilos on backgrounding ration with full well being knowledge have been valued at $430/cwt fob farm.

The Yorkton pre-sort sale included a smaller package deal of medium to bigger body black steers averaging 866 kilos that traded for $499/cwt. In central Alberta, a purchaser reported a smaller package deal of medium flesh combined heifers with a scale weight of 820 kilos moved by the ring at $482/cwt.

The Clyde pre-sort sale had a gaggle of 49 black, medium to bigger body steers weighing 737 kilos that traded for $539/cwt. On the identical sale, a gaggle of Simmental cross heifers weighing 729 kilos offered for $496/cwt.

Northwest of Calgary, a rancher reported {that a} group of 70 Charolais weaned steers evaluated at 610 kilos with full processing information offered for $640 fob ranch. The Lloydminster pre-sort sale included a package deal of 12 purple heifers averaging 619 kilos that offered for $551/cwt.

Extra markets protection: January WASDE report very bearish

On the Vermillion sale, smaller package deal of unique steers averaging 546 kilos traded for $690. On the identical sale, a gaggle of 26 black steers on the cardboard at 492 kilos have been final bid at $746/cwt.

Feedlot margins have been in purple ink over the previous month however there’s an optimistic view shifting ahead. The business is bracing for a pointy year-over-year lower in U.S. beef manufacturing in the course of the second quarter of 2026, which is driving the close by feeder market increased.

I’m internet hosting a scorching lunch and cattle market outlook for cow calf producers and feedlot operators in Lethbridge on January 26, 2026. Cattle consumers are additionally welcome. Name Jerry at 204-504-8339 by January 17 to e book your spot.

---

You’ll additionally obtain business and coverage data, multi function handy e mail delivered proper to your inbox!

One e mail delivered 6 days every week for ranchers, feedlots, packers and livestock gross sales operators.