Importance placed on cow herd size questioned

Importance placed on cow herd size questioned

Some in the cattle sector don’t think policy should focus on expanding herd; others say fewer cows limit check-off revenue

The number of cows in the provincial herd is not necessarily the best measure of a successful industry, yet that is the focus of public policy, says the Sask. Stock Growers Assoc.

Wheat crops damaged by drought are seen during an annual winter wheat tour, near Colby, Kansas, U.S., May 13, 2025. Photo: Reuters/Emily Schmall

‘Amber waves of grain’ recede in America’s heartland as wheat farmers struggle

Midwestern farmers abandoning wheat crops as profits recede, weather challenges

The Great Plains have long been celebrated for the “amber waves of grain” in the popular hymn “America the Beautiful.” The region’s states produce most of the U.S.-grown crop of hard red winter wheat, favored by bakers for bread. But with prices hovering around $5 (C$6.86) per bushel, U.S. wheat farmers have reached an inflection point, with many forced to either lose money, feed wheat to cattle or kill off the crop.