Beef Cattle & Production Tips

Beef Cattle, Hogs, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S. livestock: Profit-taking undercuts CME live cattle futures

By GFM Network News November 6, 2017

Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle closed lower on Monday, hit by profit-taking after last week’s sharply higher cash prices drove some trading months up by their 3-cents per pound daily price limit on Friday. Funds “rolled” the December contract and simultaneously bought deferred ahead of similar moves on Tuesday. Tuesday is […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Hogs, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S. livestock: Live cattle futures retreat from 5-month high

By GFM Network News November 3, 2017

Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle on Thursday settled lower, pressured by profit-taking after futures posted new highs for the contract and reached their highest level in almost five months, said traders. December futures led decliners after funds “rolled” that month and at the same time purchased deferred contracts ahead of similar […] Read more

Cow-Calf, Finishers, Livestock

Cattle traceability to pay off in Cargill pilot

By GFM Network News November 1, 2017

UPDATED, Nov. 2 — A pilot program running through one of Canada’s biggest beef packing plants aims to test systems that can show consumers the exact path of their beef from ranch to restaurant — and reward cattle producers for their trouble. Cargill on Wednesday announced a new year-long Canadian Beef Sustainability Acceleration pilot, with […] Read more

Keep cattle in proper condition and also provide a good mineral supplement.

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Simple facts of why body condition is important

Get cattle in good condition before winter, and if they are there, keep them there

By Barry Yaremcio November 1, 2017

Areas of Western Canada have endured very dry conditions this summer, which has reduced forage availability and quality on pasture or range. Plants went dormant much earlier than normal. The lack of good quality feed will have many implications for cow-calf producers trying to wean a good-size calf and maintain high levels of reproductive performance […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Minerals now benefit next breeding season

It’s too late to fix mineral deficiencies when bulls are turned out with cows

By Peter Vitti November 1, 2017

Despite recent rain/snows, prolonged dry conditions this summer have left a wake of poor grazing pastures across the Prairies. High-fibre (aka low-energy) and low-protein grass has been the norm as well as a very poor mineral profile. A well-balanced autumn/winter mineral (and vitamin) program is necessary for gestating beef cows and replacement heifers in order […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder cattle market remains firm

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News October 31, 2017

Western Canadian yearling markets were trading $3 to as much as $6 above week-ago levels while calf prices were relatively unchanged. The Canadian dollar was under pressure all week, closing Friday at US77.85 cents, the lowest levels since mid-July. At the same time, April live cattle futures made fresh contract highs, reflecting a week-over-week gain […] Read more

James Hargrave (second from right) in September 2016 with provincial Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier, Medicine Hat MLA Bob Wanner and Environment Minister Shannon Phillips. (AlbertaGrazingLease.ca)

Beef Cattle, Forages, Livestock, Weather

Communities rally around producers in wildfires’ wake

By Grainews Staff, GFM Network News October 24, 2017

Ranchers, farmers and rural residents who suffered losses, injuries and more in recent wildfires in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan are seeing support from neighbours and beyond. Alongside a number of online campaigns launched in support of affected farmers and families, the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association on Monday launched a wildfire relief fund to help […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder cattle market loses momentum

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News October 24, 2017

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were unchanged while calves traded $3 lower to $3 higher. Feedlot operators pulled in the reins and realized the market may have overextended itself. Feeder cattle prices are now at levels where margins are negative in the deferred positions. Order buyers could feel the momentum subside this […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S. September cattle placements surge

By GFM Network News October 21, 2017

Chicago | Reuters — Ranchers in September drove 13.5 per cent more cattle into U.S. feedlots than the same month a year earlier, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported on Friday. The result topped analysts’ average forecasts and hit its highest level for the month in six years. “The good news for the consumer is […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Reuters

Brazil court unfreezes JBS owners’ assets

By Reuters, GFM Network News October 19, 2017

Brasilia | Reuters –– A Brazilian federal appeals court on Thursday granted an injunction releasing assets belonging to the Batista brothers, owners of the world’s largest meatpacker JBS SA, Ticiano Figueiredo, a lawyer representing the defendants, said. A spokeswoman at the appeals court did not immediately reply to a request for comment. On Oct. 6, […] Read more

Daily Network News

Despite cheaper land costs, Canadian farmers at slight revenue disadvantage to U.S.

Feed grain weekly: Western Canadian barley bids seasonally firm

China’s Q1 pork output up 4.2 per cent from a year earlier, lags expectations

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