Reading Time: 3 minutes Feeding pregnant cows at night may increase the chances that they will conveniently calve in daytime. “I think there could be some merit,” said Dr. Cody Creelman. “I’ve had several clients over the years try it. Several have thought it’s perhaps a good feeding method and they think that it does have the desired effect.” […] Read more
Feed cows at night, birth calves by day? It might work, but is it worth it?
Feeding pregnant cows in the evening may increase the odds of daytime calving, but there’s a but
Klassen: Calves jump on corn outlook
Softer barley values underpin yearling market
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $5 to as much as $12 above week-ago levels. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $332-$335 delivered, up $5-$8 from last week. Stronger fed cattle prices and softer barley values underpinned the yearling market. Buyers were finicky […] Read more
Heifer exodus a year ago means smaller calf crop coming
The number of heifers being sold jumped substantially in the first half of 2022
Reading Time: < 1 minute More heifers went to market last year. “Alberta beef producers retained fewer breeding heifers for replacement in 2022, suggesting expansion is not in the immediate future,” said provincial livestock economist Ann Boyda. “The Canfax Cattle on Feed reports show a 9.4 per cent increase in heifer placement in feedlots in 2022 compared to 2021. Heifer […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market stabilizes after recent climb
Calf prices in Manitoba show premium over Alberta
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Replacements weighing 650-800 lbs. appeared to traded steady to $4 higher while calves under 650 lbs. were steady to $4 lower. The cost per pound gain is reaching unprecedented levels and fleshier cattle were discounted quite severely in some cases. […] Read more
Splitting up the nursery can have a big health payoff for calves
The Sandhills calving system is a simple way to lower the risk of scours
Reading Time: 4 minutes The Sandhills calving system can help producers reduce scours during calving season. Eight client ranches are trying the method, which is used south of the border but isn’t too common in Canada, said Dr. Tommy Ware of Veterinary Agri-Health Services. So far, it’s been a success. “Sandhills is our way of managing scours risk. Instead […] Read more
Klassen: Canadian feeder market rationing demand
Demand from Ontario remains aggressive
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were up $4-$6 while calf markets traded $6 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels. May feeder cattle futures are trading at a $8 premium to the nearby March contract. The carrying charge in the futures market has encouraged buyers to step forward sooner rather than […] Read more
Klassen: Larger supplies of backgrounded cattle weigh on feeder complex
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $3 lower. Calf prices were quoted $5 lower to $3 higher. Backgrounded cattle appeared to have a softer tone as more numbers come on the market. Usually, the bulk of the volume for backgrounded cattle are animals over 850 lbs. However, this year, the […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market percolates higher amid finicky buyers
Ontario feedlots bring demand for West's calves
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $4 higher on average. Certain pockets in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan had steer calves up $4-$8 from week-ago levels. Alberta values were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier on all weight categories. Steady demand was noted from Ontario feedlots for calves while Alberta […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market’s upward trend continues
Manitoba, Saskatchewan see limited gains
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$3/cwt higher on average. Southern Alberta appeared to lead Western Canada. Prices in the Lethbridge area were up $8/cwt to as much as $15/cwt from week-ago levels. Major operations have liquidated a significant amount fed cattle and become more current with production. There was a […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market price discovery continues
Ontario buying interest leading Prairie market
In last week’s issue, we mentioned there was a large discrepancy in prices across Western Canada. Compared to the third week of December, prices in Manitoba were up $8/cwt to as much as $15/cwt, while Alberta markets were steady to $2/cwt higher. This past week, feeder prices in the eastern Prairie regions were relatively unchanged […] Read more
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