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U.S. livestock: Hogs turn up on cash, wholesale pork prices

Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hogs finished higher on Wednesday after stronger cash and wholesale pork prices pared some of Tuesday’s losses, said traders. Funds periodically sold, or “rolled,” lead-month positions into deferred months ahead of similar moves early next week. Monday will be the first of five days that funds in […] Read more

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U.S. livestock: CME cattle rally on higher cash, beef prices

Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures rallied about 1.5 percent on Tuesday on fund buying and stronger cash cattle and beef prices, traders said. Frigid temperatures in U.S. Plains cattle producing areas also supported futures as such weather could slow down cattle weight gains, making them less available to packers. Actively […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market remains firm into 2018

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets experienced limited activity over the past week because most auction barns were closed for the holiday season. There was some reported activity in certain regions such as central Alberta and prices were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. Frigid temperatures tempered buying activity. Feedlots in the nearby area of the […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market ends 2017 on positive tone

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2 to as much as $6 higher. Moderate to stronger buying interest was noted across the Prairies. Once again, feedlot operators were fairly aggressive on quality yearling packages; semi-weaned and weaned calves were a solid $3-$5 higher while unweaned lighter calves experienced minimal price appreciation. […] Read more


(Government of Alberta via Flickr)

Loans pledged for wildfire-damaged Alberta farms

Ranchers and farmers in two southeastern Alberta municipalities hit by wildfire in mid-October may soon be able to apply for interest-free rebuilding loans. The province’s Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (AFSC) on Wednesday announced loan applications will be available Jan. 8 for eligible producers in Cypress County and the MD of Acadia. Applications under the Hilda […] Read more




(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Stronger fed cattle market underpins feeder complex

Alberta fed cattle prices surged $11-$12 this past week, with packers buying fed cattle in the range of $262-$264 on a dressed basis. While most feedlot operations are carrying sufficient numbers at this time of year, quality packages of heavier replacements were extremely precious. Yearlings and calves above 850 lbs. sold steady to $5 above […] Read more



Missing equipment found on a rural property southwest of Saskatoon in 2016 was valued at over $1.2 million. (Photo courtesy Saskatoon RCMP)

No prison for Saskatchewan rancher over stolen farm equipment

A western Saskatchewan rancher who pleaded guilty in August to charges over the discovery last year of missing tractors, balers and other farm equipment will serve time outside the prison system, Saskatoon media reported Friday. Iain Stables, now 40, was sentenced Friday in Provincial Court in Saskatoon to a conditional term of two years less […] Read more