File photo of a suspension footbridge in Thailand. (Tinnakorn Jorruang/iStock/Getty Images)

Canada to boost defence, cyber security in Indo-Pacific policy

New policy document puts focus on 'disruptive' China

Ottawa | Reuters — Canada launched its long-awaited Indo-Pacific strategy on Sunday, outlining $2.3 billion in spending to boost military and cyber security in the region and vowed to deal with a “disruptive” China while working with it on climate change and trade issues. The plan detailed in a 26-page document said Canada will tighten […] Read more

CME February 2023 live cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: CME futures slip after short, choppy trading day

Beef, pork packer margins in red Friday

Chicago | Reuters — Cattle futures fell on a short, choppy day of trading on Friday, as technical trading had some contracts up earlier in the session even as corn prices firmed, traders said. CME lean hog futures also eased back. The Chicago-traded livestock markets closed early on Friday, and were closed on Thursday for […] Read more


CME February 2022 live cattle with Bollinger bands (20,2). (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle, lean hogs ease

Beef supply drawdown 'quite substantial' in October

Chicago | Reuters — Live cattle futures at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange fell on Wednesday during thin pre-Thanksgiving trade, though analysts said market fundamentals remains supportive. The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) will be closed on Thursday for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Reductions in beef cold storage supplies last month should be supportive after the […] Read more

CME February 2023 live cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle, lean hogs ease

Cold storage adds versus year-earlier

Chicago | Reuters — Live cattle futures at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange eased on Tuesday on softer holiday demand, after climbing to three-week highs a day prior due to tighter-than-expected cattle supplies, traders said. “With a short week, you won’t have to have as aggressive a cash trade to fill out the packer needs for […] Read more


CME August 2023 live cattle (candlesticks) beneath CME December 2023 live cattle (top line),  The spread between the two has been influencing the price structure for calves, Jerry Klassen writes. (Barchart)

Klassen: Stronger deferred live cattle futures support feeder market

Fall run seen moving into final stages

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

(Baranozdemir/iStock/Getty Images)

Ontario seeking new rules on scope of vet services

Changes also considered to veterinary sector oversight

Updated Nov. 23 — Ontario’s government is considering new legislation to more clearly spell out who can provide what kinds of animal care in the province’s veterinary sector. The provincial ag ministry on Monday launched a round of public consultation on the Veterinarians Act, which governs licensing of veterinarians and accreditation of veterinary facilities in […] Read more


(Dave Bedard photo)

Cargill names new CEO

Former proteins boss to lead firm

Reuters — Cargill Inc. said on Monday Brian Sikes will take over as the global commodities trader’s new president and CEO effective Jan. 1. Sikes will succeed Dave MacLennan, who has served as Cargill’s CEO and chairman since 2013. MacLennan will now assume the role of executive chair of Cargill’s board of directors and will […] Read more

CME February 2023 live cattle with Bollinger bands (20,2). (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle top three-week high on supply worries

Lean hog futures up with slaughter pace

Chicago | Reuters — Live cattle futures exceeded a three-week high at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange on Monday on worries about tightening U.S. supplies, while feeder cattle futures set a two-month high. Traders focused on a monthly U.S. Department of Agriculture report, issued after the market closed on Friday, that showed cattle placements into feedlots […] Read more


Wagyu beef on skewers at a Tokyo market. (Michal_Staniewski/iStock/Getty Images)

Feds pledge agriculture office for Indo-Pacific export support

Ottawa aims to tighten ties with region

Updated Nov. 23 — Canada’s latest round of federal efforts to boost economic ties with the Indo-Pacific region will include its first dedicated agriculture and agri-food office in the region. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tour through the region last week included a pledge of $31.8 million over five years for a regional agriculture office, to […] Read more

CME February 2023 live cattle with 20-, 50- and 100-day moving averages. (Barchart)

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