Klassen: Feeder market remains volatile

If buyers knew where the cattle came from, they had more confidence. At this time of year, backgrounded cattle can appear quite hard, as if they’ve been fed too much grain in the critical growing stage. Therefore, feedlots were incorporating discounts on cattle that to an untrained eye would appear unnecessary. These days, there are no bragging rights on margins and pencils are getting sharper and sharper. After last week’s firm tone, the market felt like a vacuum at times with limited buyers. In central Alberta, Angus-blended mixed steers with medium to heavier flesh weighing just under 950 lbs. sold for $165; a small group of similar-quality heifers weighing 925 lbs. were quoted at $145. In central Saskatchewan, there were some thinner cattle available. A smaller group of lower-flesh larger-frame mixed steers weighing 875 lbs. were valued at $172. There was limited slippage in calf values. Demand from finishing feedlots was evident across the Prairies. Buyers are looking at ...