Reading Time: 4 minutes Beef producers may need to further reduce their herds and seek government aid for a second year in a row if drought conditions persist, says Alberta Beef Producers. The organization is already talking to the province about potential assistance, said vice-chair Jason Hale, a cow-calf producer in the Bassano area. “It’s tough, because we don’t […] Read more
Cattle leaders in talks with province as drought enters second year
But government help may not be enough to stave off major cull this year
U.S. livestock: Cattle futures down in turnaround from rallies
July lean hogs close higher
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures fell on Friday on profit-taking, a session after prices reached multi-week highs, brokers said. The market was due to pull back after climbing six per cent since dropping on May 31 to their lowest price since October, brokers said. Strong demand from packers for a […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Cattle futures consolidate near peaks
Chicago hog futures fall
Chicago | Reuters — CME Group cattle futures stabilized near recent highs on Thursday, with strong cash markets and a round of speculative buying underpinning prices. Hog futures fell as the soybean futures market rallied to its highest in nearly 10 years, raising the prospect of higher feed costs. The U.S. Agriculture Department said on […] Read more
Don’t count pipelines out as a source for your livestock watering system
Underground pipe may be more economical than you think — especially with federal funding
Reading Time: 4 minutes You can place them wherever you want on your pasture, set up watering stations as you like, and keep your cows out of streams and dugouts. But underground pipe is also costly compared to some other watering options — at least on first analysis. But sometimes a pipeline may be a less costly option, say […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Cattle futures rally on concerns about supplies
July lean hogs turn lower
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures rallied on Wednesday, supported by technical buying and signs of tightening supplies in the cash market, traders said. On a continuous basis, the front-month fed cattle contract hit its highest since November 2015. Live cattle hit a six-week high. Hog futures ended weaker, giving up early […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Cattle, hog futures rise
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures rose on Tuesday, supported by good export prospects and strength in the cash market, traders said. Hog futures firmed on a technical bounce. U.S. beef processors on Tuesday slaughtered an estimated 126,000 cattle, up from 121,000 a year ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said. Hog […] Read more
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in livestock is hitting the next level
There are now a variety of NSAIDs and we can select the right ones for specific situations
Reading Time: 4 minutes I recently listened to a talk by two technical services veterinarians with Merck animal health. What I liked about the presentation was they broke down the different disease categories we have on our farms and ranches, and went over what probably would be the first choice for an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and the second […] Read more
Fifth-generation cattle rancher aims to build biggest U.S. beef plant
Chicago | Reuters — A fifth-generation cattle rancher and consultant plans to build the country’s largest beef plant in South Dakota with capacity to slaughter 8,000 head of cattle a day. The US$1.1 billion project could help address the Biden administration’s concerns about rising food prices and a lack of competition in the meat sector, […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Cattle, hog futures fall as corn prices rise
Supply outlook also a concern
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures fell on Monday, pressured by ample supplies and concerns about feed costs due to high corn prices, traders said. Hog futures were also weak. U.S. beef processors on Monday slaughtered an estimated 125,000 cattle, up from 117,000 a year ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture […] Read more
U.S. livestock: CME live cattle, feeder cattle touch three-week highs
July lean hogs close lower
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures topped a three-week high in the most-active contract on Friday before ending lower amid pre-weekend profit-taking, analysts said. Feeder cattle futures also exceeded a three-week high, while lean hog futures came under pressure at the CME. Strong demand for cattle from meatpackers and a decline […] Read more
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