Reading Time: 4 minutes Although chunks of Alberta got some major rainfall the weekend of July 21-22, the jury’s still out on whether it will make a difference to what has so far been a mediocre year for hay.
Mid-June rain a ‘godsend’ but forage growers manage expectations
Rain was plentiful in some areas — spotty in others
Klassen: Feeder market may have overextended to the upside
For the week ending July 4, there were no feeder cattle sales in Western Canada due to holidays on July 1 and July 4. Major auction markets in the U.S. were also closed or had limited numbers on offer. Prices quoted from south of the border were steady to $4 higher on average but the market was hard to define.
Varied moisture/crop conditions in Saskatchewan: report
Weekly report as of June 30, 2025
Varied precipitation across Saskatchewan has led to a wide range of crop conditions, with some of the areas that received moisture also dealing with hail damage, according to the latest provincial crop report for the week ended June 30.
Prairie forecast: Stormy start to the west, summer heat to the east
Forecast issued July 2, covering July 2 to 9, 2025
We start this forecast period with warm high pressure in place across the eastern Prairies and a developing area of low pressure over Alberta.
Klassen: Feeder market eyes deferred delivery prices
For the week ending June 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Volumes moving through the ring were limited and the quality was quite variable.
Saskatchewan crops firmly normal in development
Good majority of moisture levels rated adequate
Crops in Saskatchewan continued to be largely normal in their development, the provincial agriculture department said in its latest weekly crop report.
Beef check-off rules to change in Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C.
Aug. 1 changes will keep check-off dollars in seller’s home province
Beef check-off rates in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan will change to align with the seller's home province as of August 1, regardless of where the sale takes place.
Prairie forecast: Looking warm and dry for Canada Day
Forecast issued June 25, covering June 25 to July 2, 2025
A broad but unorganized area of low pressure impacts all three Prairie provinces for at least the first half of this forecast period. Unsettled weather means it will be a difficult forecast to pin down. It also means seasonable temperatures with no big intense heat waves expected—though that doesn’t mean we won’t see a few hot days.
Klassen: Feeder market rally stalls on softer fed cattle market
For the week ending June 21, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were unchanged to $10 lower on average compared to seven days earlier. However, prices for August and September delivery were unchanged from the previous week.
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.
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