Last week, western Canadian yearling markets were traded $2-$4 above week-ago levels from Monday through Wednesday; however, buyers backed away from the market on Thursday and Friday as feeder cattle futures fell nearly $7 from Wednesday’s high. By the end of the week, yearlings were relatively unchanged from week-ago levels. Calf prices were relatively flat […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market remains volatile
Feed grain values remain firm
U.S. livestock: Lean hog futures gain on tight supplies
CME cattle futures firm
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures firmed on Tuesday, marking the contract’s fifth gain in six days, pushed higher by increased demand for pork as restaurants reopen, while supplies remain low. “You have some supply-side influence on why the market is this good,” said Brad Kooima, commodity broker at Kooima Kooima […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Lean hogs ease but remain near highs
Live cattle follow boxed beef higher
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures stepped back on Monday but remained near recent highs as demand optimism persists, supported by tighter hog supplies. As the U.S. economy rebuilds and meat demand at restaurants increases into the summer, analysts expect supplies to remain tight for several months. “The deferred contracts should […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Lean hogs resume climb on robust demand
Cattle down ahead of USDA report
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures ended mostly higher on Friday, rebounding from sharp declines the previous day as strong pork demand and tight hog supplies extended the market’s recent advance. Hog futures have soared in recent weeks, with April futures touching a 6-1/2 year front-month-contract high on Friday, as traders […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Cattle, hogs follow broader commodities markets lower
"We were a little top heavy coming in"
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle and hog futures posted steep losses in most contracts on Thursday as a broad-based commodities market selloff, led by sinking crude oil and a firmer U.S. dollar, weighed on prices. Fundamental factors for both cattle and hogs remained solid amid strong beef and pork exports and good […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Lean hogs climb to 6-1/2-year high
Cattle futures follow hogs higher
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures rallied for a second straight session on Wednesday and the spot contract rose to the highest in 6-1/2 years on elevated pork prices and expectations for continued strong pork export sales. Pork prices have been rising, led by higher pork belly values, as retailers and […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Lean hogs up on tightening hog supplies, strong pork demand
CME live cattle futures mixed
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures were mostly higher on Tuesday on lofty pork prices, tightening hog supplies and hopes for improved meat demand as economies begin to fully re-open after coronavirus pandemic shutdowns. Hog supplies have tightened following liquidation of the U.S. sow herd last year and some disease-related U.S. […] Read more
Little things can help improve flow of cattle
There are some easy fixes that make a difference, says long-time vet
Reading Time: 4 minutes There’s no ‘silver bullet’ system that will have cattle flowing perfectly, eliminate welfare issues, and guarantee a positive experience for the handler. But there are some easy ways to make them better, says Dr. Roy Lewis, who has seen, and worked in, a lot of systems. Here’s his list of tips. Give ’em space “The […] Read more
Is your setup safe? If so, you’re doing all of these things
Reading Time: 2 minutes We often think how we can work our cows to avoid stress and injury to them. But spare a thought for the handlers — whether yourself, employees or your vet. “Some people will definitely put you in harm’s way, and not even know it,” said Dr. Roy Lewis, who was a large-animal vet for more […] Read more
Klassen: Uncertain feed grain market weighs on feeder cattle
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable. Certain reports had yearling markets trading $3 on either side of unchanged while in southern Alberta, prices were down $2-$4 on average. Calves weighing 600 to 750 lbs. were $4 lower to $4 higher and feeders under 600 lbs. were steady to $3 […] Read more
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