China has temporarily suspended imports of beef from Cargill’s major beef packing plant at High River, Alta., part of a long list of meat plants blocked in the last half of June. The Reuters news service on Monday published a list of meat packing plants from around the world which during June and early July […] Read more
China suspends beef imports from Cargill plant
High River plant on long list of blocked facilities
Packing plants back on track, but future uncertain
With a huge backlog of animals to work through, cattle groups are fearful of what comes next
Reading Time: 3 minutes Alberta’s beef-packing plants are working at or near full capacity but the crisis is not over yet, say cattle leaders. “Our processing capacity has continued to increase over the past few weeks and cattle prices have been relatively strong, but markets are still vulnerable to a disruption in the processing plants,” Alberta Beef Producers chair […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market experiences mixed tone
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle sold $2 higher to as much as $4 lower. Larger groups of uniform cattle once again carried a premium but the bulk of feeders were small packages of various quality. Buyers were more aggressive on the 700- to 850-lb. weight categories as they target the fed cattle […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market grinds lower
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were steady to $4 lower on average. Small packages were available and buyers were picking away with subdued interest. There were some “green” strings of yearlings in Alberta and Saskatchewan which were well bid; however, most cattle were characterized by medium to smaller frames. Some of […] Read more
Record-keeping tool for beef producers available
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Beef Cattle Research Council has released Level 2 of its online record-keeping and benchmarking tool. The tool allows producers to collect and save data so it can be analyzed and used for better management decisions. Level 1 was designed for producers who are new to record-keeping or who keep records but are unsure of […] Read more
Klassen: Weaker fed cattle prices weigh on feeder market
Rain-soaked pens sidelined some Alberta feedlots
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged but a softer tone was noted in the non-major feeding regions. Most auction barns are in summer mode and the quality of feeders coming on the market is quite variable. However, at major centers in Alberta, healthy strings of yearlings were well bid […] Read more
Livestock research gets even more complicated during pandemic
Cattle groups have tips for conducting on-farm research — two pages’ worth
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Beef Cattle Research Council, and Canadian Beef Breeds Council has put together a two-page list of guidelines to follow if research is being conducted on your ranch or feedlot. Topping that list is: “Consider postponing on-farm research activities that require more than one person or interaction with farm operators whenever possible […] Read more
Klassen: Canadian feeder market divorces from U.S. values
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged. Lower volumes were on offer across the Prairies and the quality was quite variable at smaller sales. Many auction barns are in summer mode; however, there were decent volumes in the major feeding regions of Alberta. Strong feedlot demand was evident on quality […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market recovery continues
Strength in fed cattle prices the main driver
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were $6-$8 higher on average while calves were unchanged to $4 higher. Strength in fed cattle prices was the main factor driving the feeder cattle market this week. Alberta direct fed cattle sales were reported on a live basis from $150 to $153 f.o.b. the feedlot, up […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle markets reflect mixed tone
U.S. corn offered into southern Alberta
Compared to the previous week, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 higher on average while calves traded unchanged to as much as $8 lower. Larger feedlot operations were actively bidding for 800-plus-lb. feeders across the Prairies due to the limited supply. Lower volumes were available this past week which was supportive for the market. Southern […] Read more