Week Ending: May 9, 2025
Currency & Interest Rates
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The Canadian dollar eased to 71.91 cents USD, down from 72.28 the previous week.
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The Bank of Canada’s interest rate held at 3.00%, continuing its downward trend from 5.25% a year ago.
Slaughter Cattle Volumes
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Canadian federally inspected cattle slaughter totaled 52,496 head, relatively steady week-over-week.
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Western Canada: 41,020 head
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Eastern Canada: 11,476 head
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U.S. cattle slaughter rose slightly to 557,000 head, reflecting solid packer demand.
Alberta Railgrade Prices
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Prices continued to firm:
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Steers: $484.00–$488.50/cwt
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Heifers: $485.50–$488.50/cwt
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Compared to the same week last year, both steer and heifer prices are up over $55/cwt.
Feeder Cattle Prices
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600–700 lb Feeder Steers:
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Strathmore: up to $548/cwt
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Ponoka: up to $532/cwt
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700–800 lb Feeder Steers:
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Ponoka: up to $476/cwt
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500–600 lb Feeder Steers:
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Strathmore: up to $611/cwt
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Heifers showed similar strength, especially in the lighter weights:
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500–600 lb Feeder Heifers: up to $588/cwt
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Carcass Weights
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Canadian steer carcass weights averaged 905 lbs, slightly above last week and last year.
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Western Canada: 881 lbs
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U.S. average: 877 lbs
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Grading and Quality
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AAA Grade: 79.0% of A-grade carcasses – an increase from 75.3% last year.
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AA Grade: 19.9%
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A Grade (no marbling): 1.0%
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Improved grading suggests strong feedlot performance and favourable finishing conditions.
U.S. Boxed Beef Cutout (USD/cwt)
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Choice (600–900 lb): $345.65
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Select (600–900 lb): $331.88
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Year-over-year gains exceed $45/cwt, highlighting robust beef demand.
Cattle Futures (U.S. – as of May 9)
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Live Cattle – June: $214.68 (+$3.58)
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Feeder Cattle – August: $300.30 (+$3.40)
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Futures moved higher across the board, reflecting optimism from both domestic and export buyers.
Live Animal Trade – Canada (Week Ending April 18)
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Imports from the U.S.:
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Slaughter cattle: 6,676 head
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Feeder cattle: 664 head
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No cattle were exported to the U.S. during this reporting period.
Summary
Cattle markets remain firm across all categories, with Alberta railgrade and feeder cattle prices showing strong gains over both the previous week and the same time last year. Improved grading, steady slaughter volumes, and higher boxed beef values all point to continued strength in the cattle sector. Futures prices confirm bullish sentiment, supported by both domestic demand and tightening supply expectations.
