Beef Cattle & Production Tips

Klassen: Feeder market stabilizes on U.S. inventory data

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News February 5, 2018

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged but there was a wide variation across the Prairies. Major markets in Alberta traded steady to as much as $5 higher, while Saskatchewan and Manitoba prices were quoted $3 higher to as much as $5 lower. Major finishing operations in Alberta focused on […] Read more

Sisters Maya, Indy and Desta Johnson (l to r) feed their pet goats on the purebred Angus cattle farm near Peebles, Sask.

Beef Cattle, FarmLife

Johnson Livestock — A true family business

Saskatchewan Angus operation is run by young couple, four daughters and his parents

By Christalee Froese February 2, 2018

Every bull and nearly every cow bought from Johnson Livestock is delivered in person to the customer. The personalized service is part of a two-pronged approach at this purebred Angus operation — old-fashioned customer service coupled with new-school dedication to keeping a finger on the pulse of the market. “We truly care about our cattle […] Read more

Veterinariam Cody Creelman, right, gets some assistance as he prepares to pull a calf. There are several things to consider before either pulling by hand or with the help of a jack.

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Important tips for pulling a calf

Have chains properly positioned; be gentle with the calf puller

By Heather Smith Thomas February 1, 2018

Some calves are injured at birth by improper pulling methods, says Cody Creelman, a veterinarian with Veterinary Agri-Health Services (VAHS) in Airdrie, Alta. Most ranchers know when preparing to pull they should use a double half-hitch when placing chains on the calf’s legs. The correct setup should also include one loop mid-cannon and the other […] Read more

Calving problems have been greatly reduced on modern cow-calf operations, but a producer still needs to be ready for every situation.

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Be prepared to resuscitate calves

Animal Health: Depending on the birthing difficulty, time may be running out to get a calf breathing

By Roy Lewis January 31, 2018

There have been many ways discussed among both dairy and beef producers regarding the best way to stimulate a weak calf that doesn’t want to breathe. With calving season just around the corner, certainly for many purebred producers, this is a good time to share techniques and get the calving area supplied. My experience has […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

Southern Plains drought slows U.S. cattle herd growth

By Reuters, GFM Network News January 31, 2018

Chicago | Reuters — Encroaching drought in the U.S. southern Plains contributed to the smallest rise in the nation’s cattle population in three years, analysts said after the government’s semi-annual cattle inventory report on Wednesday. Insufficient moisture in parts of Texas and Oklahoma, along with areas of persistent dryness in the northern Plains, hurt winter […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market grinds lower

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News January 29, 2018

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $4-$6 lower; however, yearlings and heavier calves experienced a week-over-week decline of $4 to as much as $8 with significant weakness noted in the eastern Prairie regions. Finishing feedlots continue to sit on their hands. Order buyers were active on a scale-down basis and surprised […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

Drought lands more cattle into U.S. feedlots than expected

By GFM Network News January 26, 2018

Chicago | Reuters — Ranchers sent nearly one per cent more cattle to U.S. feedlots in December than the same time a year earlier, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported on Friday. The result topped most analysts’ predictions, mainly led by worsening drought in the U.S. southern Plains that shriveled available winter wheat grazing pasture. […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

U.S. tax cuts will increase beef demand

Market Influences: Consumers will have more disposable income, leading to more spending

By Jerry Klassen January 25, 2018

I’ve received many inquiries over the past couple of months regarding the potential effects of U.S. corporate and personal tax cuts on beef demand. I know most producers focus on cattle inventory numbers and cattle-on-feed reports, but old-time cattle producers often remind me that focusing on demand is the secret to long-term success in the […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock

The Keg to merge into Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s parent

By Grainews Staff, GFM Network News January 23, 2018

Major Canadian steakhouse chain The Keg is set to merge into Cara Operations, the parent for dining chains such as Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, St-Hubert and Milestones, in a $200 million cash-and-stock deal. The two companies said Tuesday a merger will afford them “synergistic opportunities in marketing, real estate and overall costs that will help further […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market continues to soften

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News January 22, 2018

Compared to last week, yearlings and heavier calves traded $6 to as much as $10 lower. Colder temperatures, along with lacklustre feedlot demand, set a negative tone early in the week. The downward spiral caused the market to be quite variable across the Prairies. It was not uncommon to see 800- to 850-lb. steers trade […] Read more

Daily Network News

Canadian drought conditions improve in March

PMRA renamed as Pesticides Regulatory Directorate

U.S. deputy farm secretary to meet with Mosaic amid high fertilizer prices

Beef Cattle