Canadian cattle producers received higher prices in May as demand for beef remained strong, while hog prices edged lower across most of the country.
Slaughter cattle prices increased in every province from April. Quebec recorded the largest monthly gain at 5.4 percent, followed by Alberta at 5.0 percent. Compared with May 2025, prices were up by at least 14.4 percent in every province.
Feeder cattle prices also rose in most regions. Manitoba was the only province to post a monthly decline, slipping 0.4 percent. The largest increase was in the Atlantic provinces, where prices rose 5.3 percent, while Saskatchewan recorded a 0.6 percent gain. Year over year, feeder cattle prices were at least 18.4 percent higher across all provinces.
Hog producers faced a different market. Slaughter hog prices declined in every province except Manitoba, where they rose 0.4 percent from April. Prince Edward Island and Quebec each posted the largest monthly decline at 1.4 percent, while Saskatchewan recorded the smallest decrease at 0.1 percent.
Grain and oilseed prices also moved higher.
Canola prices increased for a fourth straight month across the Prairie provinces. Manitoba recorded the largest monthly increase at 4.5 percent, followed by Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Wheat prices, excluding durum, continued to rise across Western Canada. Manitoba led the monthly gains with a 3.3 percent increase.
Barley prices rose in every province except Ontario. Quebec posted the largest monthly increase at 11.6 percent and the strongest year-over-year gain at 32.5 percent.