Compared to last week, western Canadian calf markets traded $5 lower to as much as $3 higher. Quality groups of heifers weighing 550-700 lbs. were notably $2-$3 higher and this was largely due to lower supplies of steers. Weather conditions improved in southern Alberta, which was supportive; however, buyers were cautious. Quality pre-conditioned calves held […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger deferred live cattle futures support feeder market
Fall run seen moving into final stages
U.S. livestock: CME live cattle up on firm cash, speculative buying
February lean hogs end lower
Chicago | Reuters — Live cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) hit the highest in nearly three weeks on Friday, supported by firm cash cattle markets and what appeared to be speculative buying, analysts said. Most-active CME February live cattle futures settled up 0.45 cent at 155.85 cents/lb. after reaching 156.125 cents, the […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: More corn, oats in feed rations
'Very weird situation to be seeing again'
MarketsFarm — As prices for feed barley and wheat increase, more feedlots are turning to corn, according to Susanne Leclerc of Market Master Ltd. at Edmonton. “A lot of places are switching to corn. The desirability of feed barley has been coming down,” she said. “So it will be interesting to see which way the […] Read more
Klassen: Tighter supplies underpin western Canadian feeder market
Weather conditions may sway buying interest
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were unchanged to $4 higher. Heavier calves notched a week-over-week gain of $2-$4. Mid-weight and lighter calves traded steady to $5 lower in Alberta but $4-$5 on either side of unchanged in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Yearling numbers were limited and buyers paid up for quality packages while […] Read more
Small islands could deliver a big payoff in feedlot holding ponds
Native, riparian plants can filter out organic matter, nutrients and heavy metals
Reading Time: 3 minutes Alberta researchers are using the power of native plants to turn manure-fouled water into something so clean it could perhaps be used to water crops or livestock. “We’re using plants to clean water of contaminants. In this case, we’re using them to clean contaminants that exist in feedlot holding ponds,” said principal investigator Daniel Karran, […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Tight logistics underpinning Prairie feed market
MarketsFarm – Canada’s barley crop may have improved considerably in 2022 compared to 2021’s drought-stricken crop, but the logistics of getting that grain to Alberta’s feedlot alley are keeping prices well supported. Canada grew 9.4 million tonnes of barley during the 2022 growing season, which was up by 35 per cent from the previous year. […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Corn imports pressure grain prices in Lethbridge
MarketsFarm — With harvesting operations winding down, high-delivered bids for feed barley and wheat in Alberta are higher compared to the same time last month and last year. However, there is still some volatility in feed grain prices, according to one Lethbridge-based trader. “I think most (of the increase) was (due to) demand, but as […] Read more
Klassen: Uncertain fed cattle market weighs on feeder cattle
U.S. feeder demand seen relatively sluggish
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings (900 lbs. and over) appeared to trade $6-$8 lower on average; yearlings weighing 800-900 lbs. off grass were unchanged. Backgrounded yearlings were also $6-$8 lower. Mid-weight calves were unchanged but calves under 600 lbs. were $3 to as much as $10 lower in some cases. Feedlot operators pulled […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Freight costs could determine grain availability
MarketsFarm — There are very good prices for feed barley and wheat in Alberta, according to Susanne Leclerc of Market Master Ltd. in Edmonton — but two factors could limit their availability. Leclerc said there is good demand for feed wheat in the province, “but prices are slightly up because we’re not seeing a lot […] Read more
Schoepp: What produces more waste — a feedlot or a cruise ship?
Feedlot waste gets a lot of scrutiny by consumers while shipping gets a free pass
Reading Time: 3 minutes During a recent agricultural discussion, the chat centred around the public’s perception of animal agriculture and waste. As I had recently been at sea, our conversation shifted to the ocean being used as a dumping ground for human sewage and other waste. I became curious. What produces more waste — a feedlot or a ship, […] Read more
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