Photo: Alberta fed-cattle prices increased during the week ending Aug. 14 following six weeks of declines, although prices remain below their early-summer highs. Rural Alberta Report / Cheryl Bowman

Alberta fed-cattle prices moved higher during the week ending Aug. 14, offering producers some relief after six consecutive weeks of sharp declines.

Fed steers averaged $320.77 per hundredweight, an increase of $4.92 from the previous week, according to Canfax market information. Fed heifers rose $6.79 to average $317.93 per cwt.

Live sales ranged from $315 to $326 per cwt., while dressed sales were reported between $515 and $530 per cwt. delivered. The dressed range was $2 to $6 higher than the previous week.

The improvement followed an extended downturn that had taken roughly $80 per cwt. off dressed fed-cattle prices over a five-week period. Canfax estimated the decline had reduced cattle values by more than $700 per head.

Prices remain below the levels reached earlier in the summer. Canfax reported Alberta fed steers at $315.85 per cwt. during the week ending Aug. 7, down about 12 per cent or $42 per cwt. from their peak five weeks earlier.

Buying interest during the latest reporting period was mixed, with one Western Canadian packer not participating in the market. Some cattle were sold to United States buyers at a premium to domestic sales, with delivery expected in September.

Alberta auction markets handled 23,767 head during the week ending Aug. 14. That was 49 per cent more than during the corresponding week in 2025 but 4.9 per cent below the five-year average.

Forward delivery sales accounted for 8,609 head, with cattle scheduled to move between September and November.

Prices for some forward-contracted cattle remained above the cash market. Steers weighing 700 to 799 pounds for September and October delivery averaged $606 per cwt., a premium of $56 over July cash prices.

Canadian feeder-cattle exports to the United States have weakened. Weekly exports totalled 1,416 head during the week ending Aug. 1, down 38 per cent from the same period last year.

Year-to-date feeder exports reached 76,368 head, a decrease of 21 per cent from 2025. Canada was also a net importer of feeder cattle during the first half of the year, with net imports rising by 71,200 head to 175,700.

The latest increase suggests the fed market may be stabilizing following its summer decline. However, reduced packer competition, lower feeder exports and prices that remain below their recent peak continue to create uncertainty for producers.