Reading Time: 3 minutes When the weather outside is frightful, cattle need a helping hand. “The ability of cattle to withstand cold conditions is impacted by the lower critical temperature, or LCT,” said Karl Hoppe, a livestock specialist with North Dakota State University’s extension service. “When the temperature drops below the LCT, maintenance requirements will increase and performance can […] Read more
Consider feed requirements for beef cattle during cold weather
A measure called LCT can be used to calculate the increase in total digestible nutrients required
Klassen: Historically high deferred live cattle futures support feeder complex
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2 lower to $4 higher on average. Many auction barns were on holidays last week; therefore, the buying interest appeared to be more concentrated on the major markets. There were no reports from Manitoba last week. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market ends 2022 on firm tone
Trade expecting bullish numbers from USDA
Compared to last week, western Canadian calves were trading $4 to as much as $8 higher. Adverse weather did not influence the market this week. There appeared to be a surge in demand across all weight categories. Higher quality or pre-conditioned vaccinated, weaned, lower flesh calves in the 600–700-pound category were up as much as […] Read more
Alberta cattleman right at home at UN climate change conference
Many anti-meat critics have no idea how cattle are raised, but Bob Lowe is always willing to explain
Reading Time: 4 minutes Bob Lowe, a cattle feeder from Nanton, isn’t afraid to enter a conference hall full of vegans — and there was a sizeable contingent of people opposed to meat production at this year’s global climate conference. As part of his trip to COP27 in Egypt last month, the veteran cattle producer paid a visit to […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger deferred live cattle support feeder market
Cow-calf operators seen hesitant to expand
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Calf prices were mostly unchanged compared to seven days earlier; however, there were pockets where buyers reported prices up $2-$3 on average. The Alberta calf market appeared to stage a minor recovery after softening over the past month. Manitoba markets […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market experiences diverse price behaviour
Manitoba calves hold a premium over Sask., Alta.
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $2 higher while calf prices were unchanged to $4 lower. Yearling supplies are limited and there appeared to be a surge of buying interest for 850-lb. thin-fleshed replacements. Alberta fed cattle basis levels for the second quarter of 2023 have above average and the […] Read more
Canadian Cattle Association president Reg Schellenberg dies
Saskatchewan rancher had led CCA since March
Updated, Dec. 7 — Western Saskatchewan rancher Reg Schellenberg, who had led the national organization representing Canada’s beef cattle producers since March this year, died suddenly Friday at age 63. The Canadian Cattle Association reported Schellenberg’s death in a release Saturday, adding that the association’s current vice-president, rancher Nathan Phinney of Sackville, N.B., will now […] Read more
Beef mentorship program a quiet success
Eight years on, a unique program connecting ranches and research labs proves its worth
Reading Time: 4 minutes It’s been a parade of PhDs, a cavalcade of scholars, an array of academics. Call it what you will, but the number of researchers who have gone through an innovative mentorship program started as a one-year pilot eight years ago is well into the double digits. The tally is now up to three dozen on […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market rations demand
Risk discount built in with adverse weather
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged while calf prices were steady to $6 lower. Demand from Ontario buyers caused markets in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan to hold value. Alberta prices were under pressure as the market appears to be rationing demand. Calf prices are 25-30 per cent higher than year-ago […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger deferred live cattle futures support feeder market
Fall run seen moving into final stages
Compared to last week, western Canadian calf markets traded $5 lower to as much as $3 higher. Quality groups of heifers weighing 550-700 lbs. were notably $2-$3 higher and this was largely due to lower supplies of steers. Weather conditions improved in southern Alberta, which was supportive; however, buyers were cautious. Quality pre-conditioned calves held […] Read more
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