Reading Time: 4 minutes Testing your feed should top your to-do list this fall and winter. “Get that crop tested,” said Bart Lardner, a University of Saskatchewan professor who holds a research chair in cow-calf and forage systems. “Know what you’re starting with and know what you’re dealing with in terms of energy density, protein density, and anti-quality factors […] Read more
Know what you’ve got is the golden rule when feed is short
Nitrate levels are higher in drought-stressed crops, so testing feed is an absolute must
Feed weekly outlook: Prices to decline in September
MarketsFarm – As the harvest approaches, the yield potential for feed grains in Alberta may depend on where they are grown, according to Erin Harakal, trade manager for Agfinity Inc. in Stony Plain, Alta. “From what I hear, it’s going to be a bit lower (than average), (but) I think it’s going to be a […] Read more
Klassen: Yearlings hold value while calves remain under pressure
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged while calves were once again $2 to $4 lower. Featherlight bawlers were down $4 to as much as $8 from week-ago levels. The tight feed grain supply situation continues to set the price structure for feeder cattle. Yearlings straight off grass held a slight […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: DDGs becoming another feed option
MarketsFarm – As traditional feed grains such as barley and wheat become more expensive due to persistent drought-like conditions in the Prairies, many feedlots are using alternative sources of feed for their animals. Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGs), the grain by-products which remain after starch has been fermented through the making of alcohol or […] Read more
Sask. Crop Report: Harvests ahead of schedule
MarketsFarm – The annual harvest in Saskatchewan is moving along earlier and faster than usual as crops dry down to high heat and lack of moisture. Three per cent of Saskatchewan’s crop has been combined, compared to the less than one per cent at this point last year, according to the province’s crop report for […] Read more
Klassen: Drought conditions spur on fall cattle run
Compared to last week, Western Canadian feeder yearling prices were relatively unchanged; calves traded $2 to $5 lower. The fall run has started. Drought like conditions have caused many ranchers to sell cattle 30 to 45 days earlier than normal. Steers averaging 900 pounds were readily trading in the range from $185 to $190; steers […] Read more
Cereal merger survey now online
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Wheat and Alberta Barley have launched their online survey to consult members on amalgamating to form a single commission. Since 2018, the organizations have shared a management team but have two boards and separate financial structures. Members of both farm groups passed resolutions at their 2019 annual general meetings calling for a comprehensive review […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Reduced yields starting to become a reality
MarketsFarm – As old crop stocks of feed barley and feed wheat continue to dwindle, the realization of reduced yields is now supporting bids for new crop. “Down here, there are a few guys that are starting to pull off some barley here in the next little bit. You’re going to find that the barley […] Read more
Saskatchewan Crop Report: Hay cut progressing in dry weather
MarketsFarm – Hot and dry conditions continued to affect most of Saskatchewan, but they caused little, if any hindrance to the province’s hay cut, according to the province’s weekly crop report released on July 29. Most hay producers have finished operations, with 15 per cent of the hay crop being cut and 75 per cent […] Read more
Crop quality greater in western Manitoba
MarketsFarm – While the western parts of Manitoba are seeing healthy crops, the eastern and Interlake regions aren’t so fortunate, according to Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development. Crop ratings for both the southwest and northwest regions range from 50 to 75 per cent good to excellent, according to the province’s weekly crop report released on […] Read more