Cattleman’s Corner & Production Tips

Calving Season Is Underway

March 2, 2009

JANUARY 27 We had two weeks of cold, foggy weather in which we never saw sunshine. The trees, fences and cattle were covered with thick frost. Temperatures hovered between -14C and -8C. Our heifers will soon be calving, so we trained them to come into the calving pen by leaving the gate open and feeding […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner

Canadian pork production is forecast to be down nearly 80 million mt from 2008

By Jerry Klassen March 2, 2009

US Broiler Production (Million pounds) US Pork Production (Million pounds) Cash hog prices appear to be stabilizing in line with seasonal tendency to strengthen into the second quarter. The USDA recently made revisions to their expected production and the demand has also improved due to lower poultry and beef supplies. Pork is still the most […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner

Market-Ready Cattle In Demand

By Jerry Klassen March 2, 2009

Fed cattle were trading in the range of $86 to $88 for the week ending February 14. The market appears to have strengthened on better than expected demand and tighter market-ready supplies. USDA reported wholesale values at the lowest levels since Sept 9, 2005. Choice product was quoted at $135.76/ cwt and select product at […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner

Ranch Gate To Five-Star Plate

March 2, 2009

One week into a monthlong marketing trip to Switzerland, Sweden, and Dubai and it’s hard to believe how much can happen in a short period. But, then again in Switzerland punctuality is the culture and everything so far has gone just like clockwork. Other than bringing in some sample product on a visit last fall, […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner

Don’t be mislead by the notion that a bigger value is always better

By Sean McGrath February 23, 2009

This time of year many producers are busy sorting through bull sale catalogues and buying next year’s herdsires. One extremely useful tool that is often overlooked (or even disparaged) in this process is the use of EPD or expected progeny differences. The primary advantage of EPD over adjusted weights for the commercial cattle producers is […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner

A good manure/strawpack combination produces a surprising amount of heat

February 23, 2009

Proper winter management of bulls is important for having them healthy and in top shape for the next year’s breeding season. Ken Dunn, an Idaho Angus breeder near Tetonia, says one of the important considerations, if you live in a region with cold winters, is to recognize the potential for frostbitten testicles if temperatures drop, […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner

Branding their product based on environmental factors pays off

February 23, 2009

So just how much will consumers pay for food that is marketed based on sustainability? It is likely a question being asked by a growing number of producers thinking of marketing their product based on environmental image, animal health or food safety. Count central Alberta rancher Irene Rutledge and her husband Pat among those producers […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner

Spring Grass Can Cause Founder

By Georgina Campbell February 23, 2009

When pastures are covered with a foot of snow, the temperature dips to minus 30, and you’re packing feed to horses, it is hard to worry about the lush green spring pastures. However, now is the time to plan for your horses’ return to those pastures without risking a bout of spring founder. Founder (laminitis) […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner

Producers in Alberta and Saskatchewan will be looking for grass cattle in spring

By Jerry Klassen February 23, 2009

The cash cattle market appears to have stabilized for the time being. Fed steers were trading at $82 in the US Southern Plains while the carcass trade was quoted at $132 in Nebraska. At the same time, market ready cattle were selling in the range of $85 to $87 in Alberta. Supplies of market ready […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner

Hog Prices Grind Lower

By Jerry Klassen February 23, 2009

In the previous issue, I mentioned that weaker demand would result in lower hog prices. Analysts now see further deterioration in the economy and this will continue to pressure the hog market. Export interest for pork products remains sluggish as the US recession continues to set a negative tone around the globe. Uncertainty over the […] Read more

Daily Network News

Canadian aquaculture should be classed as agriculture, industry groups say

CBOT Weekly: April supply and demand report a ‘nothing burger’

Canada blocks meats, dairy from Greece over foot-and-mouth disease

Cattleman’s Corner

Calving Season Is Underway

Canadian pork production is forecast to be down nearly 80 million mt from 2008

Market-Ready Cattle In Demand

Ranch Gate To Five-Star Plate

Don’t be mislead by the notion that a bigger value is always better

A good manure/strawpack combination produces a surprising amount of heat

Branding their product based on environmental factors pays off

Spring Grass Can Cause Founder

Producers in Alberta and Saskatchewan will be looking for grass cattle in spring

Hog Prices Grind Lower

AgCanadaTV

AgCanadaTV Special Feature: Crop pest insects to watch out for in 2026

Latest Market News