Western Canadian feeder cattle markets experienced a precipitous bounce over the past week. Compared to seven days earlier, yearling traded $4-$6 higher; calf markets were trading $3 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels; prices for feather-light bawlers surged with 300- to 400-pounders touching the magical $300 level in some areas. Optimal weather enhanced […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder cattle market surges
Backgrounding margins can disappear in a hurry
What looks like a healthy profit might actually be razor thin
Reading Time: 2 minutes Add up all the costs when backgrounding, says a farm business management specialist. “At this time of year the profitability of backgrounding calves also comes into question,” said Ted Nibourg. “Focusing on just the feed costs can give the impression that backgrounding will be economically feasible this fall. While feed costs are a major part […] Read more
High cost, high risk, but corn a perfect cold-weather grazing crop
When the weather outside is frightful, cattle can get all of their energy and protein requirements by grazing corn
Reading Time: 3 minutes One of the “best-kept secrets” of Manitoba cow-calf producers could soon make its way west — as long as producers have access to better genetics. “The low-heat-unit corn varieties certainly have some potential to move into a cow or a calf backgrounding program,” Dr. Bart Lardner from the Western Beef Development Centre said at the […] Read more
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