Compared to last week, quality yearling packages were $2-$5 higher while calf values were unchanged to $2 higher. A surge in buying interest surfaced for yearlings last week as fed cattle prices continue to trade near 52-week highs. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $162-$165 delivered and breakeven pen closeouts are […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market heating up
Wholesale beef prices climbing
Manitoba forage, grassland growers burned by drought
MarketsFarm — An ongoing lack of precipitation, which is showing no signs of letting up in the coming months according to weather forecasts, is already causing problems for Manitoba’s forage and grasslands. Growers in the province have had to deal with three straight years with lower-than-normal precipitation. In 2019, multiple rural municipalities in Manitoba’s Parkland […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Alternatives in greater demand
MarketsFarm — Price increases for feed barley and wheat in Western Canada have caused more feeders to look elsewhere for sustenance for their livestock. Prices over the last year have shot up 25 to 40 per cent, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire. “Any time you run into a high-priced commodity market, the cost of feeding […] Read more
Bale grazing is having its moment in the (winter) sun
Here are some things to bear in mind when using bales to extend the grazing season
Reading Time: 2 minutes Many producers have taken steps to extend their grazing period, and bale grazing is proving to be a popular choice. Bales can be purchased or grown on farm and placed strategically in cells or ‘bale pods.’ In some cases, cattle feed on bales directly where they are dropped from the baler, but in most situations, bales […] Read more
Alberta hay situation much improved
Reading Time: < 1 minute After hitting a record high in June 2019, hay prices in Alberta have come down and there should be ample supplies in most of the province, the Beef Cattle Research Council said in a recent blog. However, prices in the north may stay strong because of limited supply and increasing demand. “Northern producers may wish […] Read more
Manitoba to open more Crown lands to haying, grazing
Province now taking requests for permits
Manitoba livestock producers up against dry conditions can now apply for temporary passes to get onto Crown land not normally designated for grazing or haying. The province announced Friday it will make such lands available this year for agricultural use “under certain circumstances.” Permits and land uses will be handled through the Agricultural Crown Lands […] Read more
Manitoba eases load limits for grains, livestock, vegetables, fertilizer
'Essential' commodities allowed at normal axle weights on more roads
Springtime load limits on certain Manitoba highways will be lifted early this year for transport of crops, livestock, fertilizer and other “essential” goods. Provincial Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced Tuesday that certain essential goods may be trucked at “normal loading” axle weights on highways usually subject to Level 1 road restrictions during spring thaw. Essential […] Read more
Annual forages offer benefits, says forage specialist
Annual pastures allow you to properly rest their perennial cousins and can be used for silage or greenfeed
Reading Time: 2 minutes Annual forages offer a couple of advantages for producers, says a provincial forage and beef specialist. “By seeding annual pastures, producers can give stressed perennial pastures a rest,” said Karin Lindquist. “If those pastures are rested early in the spring and following rain, they can produce good amounts of growth later in the summer. However, […] Read more
Spring termination of hay land brings challenges
Fall is the better time as spring termination will delay seeding and will result in moisture loss
Reading Time: 2 minutes Producers should consider a number of factors before deciding to terminate hay land in the spring in order to seed an annual crop. “Traditionally, forage stands have been terminated in the fall by using one of three approaches — tillage only, herbicide application combined with tillage, and herbicide application followed by direct seeding into sod,” said […] Read more
Fostering forage and grasslands in the Special Areas
The region has been hit hard by a multi-year drought so rejuvenating forage stands is a challenge
Reading Time: 2 minutes It’s a bitterly cold day with the wind blowing hard from the north and few trees to hide behind. Scott Proudfoot, though, has grown to cherish the wide-open spaces in the Special Areas of southeastern Alberta. “I’ve fallen in love with it out here. It’s one of the last places in the world you can […] Read more
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