Canada: Feeder market reflects softer sentiment

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$4 lower; calves over 700 lbs. appeared to hold value; calves weighing less than 700 lbs. were down $3 to as much as $5. The yearling run is basically finished. Ontario buying interest was supportive in the eastern Prairie regions due to the bumper corn crop; however, markets were rather sluggish in Alberta and western Saskatchewan. Buyers were more aggressive on fancier calves; flesh conditions will increase later in fall and major operations dominated 700-plus-lb. calf packages. The number of calves straight off their mothers surged this past week. Buyers for larger operations also focused on packages with health records, although these groups didn’t show much of a premium. Weather has been optimal besides wind annoyance in southern Alberta. There were also significant volumes of calves under 500 lbs. Cow-calf operators are selling calves sooner than normal with forage costs at historical highs. Grazing ...