MarketsFarm — After copious amounts of precipitation alleviated the most severe drought conditions in Saskatchewan and Alberta, there were still some areas dealing with extreme dryness entering July, according to the Canadian Drought Monitor. At the end of June, only 22 per cent of the Prairie region was classified in the Abnormally Dry (D0) to […] Read more
Drought conditions remain in Alberta, Saskatchewan
Klassen: Feeder cattle market adjusts for lower barley prices
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices climbed $2-$4 on average. Calf markets were unchanged. For the second week in a row, the market was hard to define due to limited numbers on offer. Small packages under five head and single stragglers were common. Larger groups of green thin yearlings were well bid by […] Read more
Massive new feedlot working out as planned, says owner
A lot happened while Kevin Serfas built his new operation but he says you must take the long view
Reading Time: 4 minutes The cattle business is never boring. The last two years have produced many hair-raising situations for Alberta’s cattle producers and that’s been the case for feedlot owner Kevin Serfas, who has undertaken a massive feedyard expansion. Based in Turin, about 50 kilometres north of Lethbridge, he runs Serfas Farms, a sizeable grain farm and feeder […] Read more
Squeezed and struggling: Research groups desperate for funding
Farmer-led groups say producers rely on their work but they’re hamstrung by inadequate, short-term funding
Reading Time: 6 minutes Alberta farmers need local, practical research but applied research associations say they’ve been hamstrung by a lack of provincial funding — and some may have to pack it in if that doesn’t change soon. “A lot of the groups are kind of squeezed to the point where, if we don’t get something secured right now, […] Read more
Prairie cash wheat: Prices take a hard hit
MarketsFarm — Wheat prices on the Canadian Prairies were down hard for the week ended Thursday. Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS), Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) and Canada Western Amber Durum (CWAD) wheats incurred sharp losses as prices tumbled in U.S. markets. Additional pressure came from Statistics Canada’s report on planting intentions for 2022-23. The […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Grain prices coming down
MarketsFarm — As futures prices fall back, those for feed have been following, according to Jenny Redshaw, a trader with Agfinity at Stony Plain, Alta. “There are lots of things going on,” she said, noting demand has been somewhat lacklustre. “The feedlots aren’t breaking down any doors,” she added. With prices down across the board […] Read more
Farm retailers taking over collection of ag plastic jugs
Dropping off jugs at ag retailers will be more convenient, says organization that runs recycling program
Reading Time: 2 minutes The locations for dropping off ag plastic jugs in Alberta is being moved entirely to ag retailers instead of municipal landfills and transfer stations, says the organization that runs the recycling program. “Transitioning to a retail-based collection for the jug program shifts responsibility to accept empty containers from Alberta municipalities to the ag industry, which […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle trade at 52-week highs
New-crop feed grain values under pressure
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $2 higher with exceptional demand noted on steers over 700 pounds. Calf values were mixed in Alberta with markets trading $2-$4 on either side of unchanged; however, prices were steady to $4 higher in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Small groups of various quality characterized the feeder […] Read more
Crop conditions in Alberta see remarkable turnaround
MarketsFarm – As the heydays of summer approach, Alberta reported that its crops were in good shape. The crop report placed all crops in the province at 75 per cent good to excellent, slightly above the five-year average. The rains throughout June were credited with the turnaround, but overall growth and development remained somewhat behind […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle trend higher, favourable beef outlook
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearlings traded $8 to as much as $12 higher; mid-weight feeders in the range of 700-800 pounds were also $8-10 higher. Calves under 700 pounds were unchanged to $6 higher. The feeder market took a fortuitous bounce last week. Major feedlots were extremely aggressive on yearlings while supplies were […] Read more
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