Compared to last week, western Canadian grass yearling prices were unchanged to $3/cwt lower on average. Steers held value but heifers had a softer tone. Calf prices were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. However, weaker barley prices and stronger deferred live cattle prices limited any slippage. The calf market continues to be in price […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger live cattle futures enhance feeder demand
Feeder cattle supplies look to be lower than anticipated
The guiding light of beef research
BCRC celebrates 25 years of funding beef research that the government wouldn’t
Reading Time: 5 minutes Many beef producers might remember a time, say 25 years ago, that a 900-pound steer would be considered finished. Today, there’s a good chance that same steer would be 50 pounds away from starting the finishing process. Craig Lehr remembers. And on the 25th anniversary of the largest not-for-profit, industry-led funding agency in Canadian beef […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market continues to consolidate
U.S. feeder cattle supplies seen tighter than expected
Compared to last week, western Canadian grass yearling prices were relatively unchanged. Yearlings over 800 lbs. on light grain rations or on diets mixed with silage were priced at $5 to as much as $20 discount to those cattle coming straight off pasture. Larger groups of uniform quality continue to trade at a minor premium […] Read more
Smoke inhalation can affect cattle
Beef 911: Research shows an effect in housed dairy cattle so outdoor beef animals are also susceptible
Reading Time: 3 minutes Wildfires have exceeded all records in the 2023 season. Both British Columbia and Alberta are expected to see more than two million hectares destroyed. There has been steady growth in the number and size of wildfires since the 1980s. Drought, global warming and storms are generally the culprits and there has been plenty of smoke […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market shrugs off lower barley production
Barley exports, domestic demand expected to be reduced
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3/cwt on either side of unchanged. Prices for calves were also unchanged from average values seven days earlier. Calf markets are becoming more defined as volumes increase. There also appeared to be larger volume of high-quality yearlings available, which was a surprise. The drought hasn’t significantly […] Read more
Klassen: Calf numbers down in Western Canada
StatCan figures a surprise to the trade
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets were relatively unchanged. Yearlings straight off grass were very well bid and prices held value. Yearlings over 800 lbs. on light grain ration were quoted $15-$20 discount to those cattle coming straight off pasture. We’re seeing heavier calves around 800 lbs. trade at $330-$340. Increased calf numbers […] Read more
CCIA issues new edition of calving record book
Reading Time: < 1 minute A popular calving record keeping book is getting an update. The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency says it has received positive feedback with the launch of its new calving record book. The previous incarnation was popular with producers, but the group felt it was time to make improvements. Working closely with Verified Beef Production Plus and […] Read more
Klassen: Feedlots aggressively secure ownership
StatCan cattle inventory report due out soon
Compared to last week, yearlings straight off grass sold $3-$5 higher on average. In certain cases, larger groups of higher quality genetics traded $8-$12 above week-ago levels. Auction markets had larger volumes this past week and there was strong demand across all weight categories. It’s that time of year when major operations are stepping forward […] Read more
Expert beef advice via audio
Podcasts are convenient and can offer what producers need to know, when they need to know it and with many ways to listen
Reading Time: 3 minutes We are all trying to get factual information on the health, production and welfare of our herds. Sometimes it is hard to stay abreast of all the information. Publications like this one, and websites of the Beef Cattle Research Council, Canadian Cattle Association and provincial beef producers’ groups, can help with that. YouTube videos, if […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market consolidates
USDA report considered supportive for Q4 fed cattle
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3/cwt on either side of unchanged. The steam appears to be coming off the market as larger volumes become available. Pastures have basically dried up in many areas of Western Canada, which has spurred on producer selling. The calf market was hard to define due to […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
