Western Canadian feedlots are carrying sufficient numbers for the time being and feeding margins remain deep in red ink on unhedged cattle. Secondly, carcass weights are sharply above year-ago levels and Alberta finishing lots are backed up with market-ready supplies.
Klassen: Yearling price trend stalls while calves ratchet higher
Larger players aggressively securing lightweight calves on expectations of low yearling supplies
Feed grain weekly outlook: Growers looking at the skies, prices
Barley prices should decline in later spring as growers sell, analyst says
Despite recent weather bringing much-needed moisture into southern Alberta, dryness remains a concern in the region weeks before the start of seeding.
Prairie forecast: Stormy start in the east, warming in the west
Issued March 6, covering March 6 to 13, 2024
After what was probably the biggest storm system of the winter, it looks like this forecast period will see a break from the active weather for the most part.
Klassen: Grassers and herd rebuilding confidence keeps feeders elevated
Major grazing regions of Western Canada receive more than double of normal precipitation in last month
The major grazing regions of Western Canada have received over 200 per cent of normal precipitation over the past 30 days. Grassers were red hot. Demand has also increased for herd building heifers which has diminished supplies for finishing feedlots.
Prairie forecast: Storm system heads for southern Prairies
Updates forecast issued Feb. 29, covering Feb. 29 to March 6, 2024
The weather models have come into fairly good agreement for the storm system forecasted to impact much of the southern prairies over the next 24 to 48 hours. An area of low pressure is developing over Wyoming with an inverted trough stretching northwestwards.
Prairie forecast: More much-needed moisture expected
Issued Feb. 29, covering Feb. 29 to March 6, 2024
Cold Arctic air has invaded the Prairies much to many people’s surprise. We have gotten so used to mild spring-like weather that some people may be put off that winter has returned. For those who read my last column, this type of weather shouldn't be surprising since we are now moving into what can be the snowiest time of the year.
Klassen: Statistics Canada confirms lower feeder cattle supplies
Precipitation in Alberta, Saskatchewan increases demand for grassers
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling or backgrounded steers prices were quoted $5 to $8 higher; yearling or backgrounded heifers were unchanged to $4 higher. Calves were trading $4 to as much as $10 higher.
Prairie forecast update: Storms roll in
Updates forecast issued Feb. 21, 2024
The weather models are coming into agreement with up coming storm system. The low was forecasted to develop over southern Alberta on Sunday with widespread snow developing to the north and west of the low. This placed the Edmonton region in the main snow band with 10 or so centimetres forecasted to fall across this region. The snow should move out quickly on Monday as cold arctic air pours southwards behind the low dropping temperatures to below average, but only for a couple of day.
Feed barley under pressure, but opportunities available
Corn downturn likely to keep feedlots looking to extend coverage
Feed barley bids in Western Canada remained under pressure in mid-February amid continued imports of corn from the United States and the relatively mild Prairie winter. However, localized spot opportunities do pop up occasionally.
Prairie forecast: Mild start, then a chance of storms
Issued Feb. 21, covering Feb. 21 to 28, 2024
Sunshine prevailed a fair bit more over the last forecast period than expected and so did the milder temperatures. Oh, sure there were a couple of cold nights, especially over the eastern half of the prairies, but overall, temperatures ended up being about 2 to 4 C warmer than what was forecasted.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
