Beef Cattle & Production Tips

Once foot rot is discovered, it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Though you may find your steer is hesitant to move where you need him to go.

Stiff, sore and hurtin’ — I can relate

A foundered steer is troublesome, but elicits some extra sympathy

By Bruce Derksen May 26, 2017

During my morning pen-checking rounds I came across a yearling red and white steer with a bad case of foot rot. Now there is nothing unusual about that, being that I find many cattle with this problem every day. The difference in this case, was that this particular steer was badly foundered to start with. […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Reuters

U.S. April feedlot cattle placements jump to 14-year high

By GFM Network News May 26, 2017

Chicago | Reuters — Ranchers placed 11 per cent more cattle in feedlots in April than a year earlier, the most for the month in 14 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported on Friday, beating average forecasts. Higher cattle prices paid by packers last month enhanced profits for feedlots, allowing them to buy more […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Reuters

JBS shares soar as speculation mounts over crisis fallout

By GFM Network News May 25, 2017

Cuiaba, Brazil | Reuters — Shares in JBS SA , the world’s largest meatpacker, spiked on Thursday as speculation mounted over its strategy for weathering the fallout from a corruption scandal centered on its owners. The stock closed 23 per cent higher, approaching levels last seen before the graft scandal rattled Brazil a week ago […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder cattle market experiences mixed tone

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News May 22, 2017

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were rather subdued this past week; average prices were unchanged from seven days earlier. However, the bloom has come off the rose as the extreme highs from earlier in May have evaporated. Late in the week, shorter-keep cattle appeared to trade $3-$5 higher, especially on higher-quality larger groups. Major feedlot […] Read more

Taste-testing during a Canadian Beef Advantage Seminar in Shanghai in 2013. (Canada Beef via YouTube)

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S., China accelerate beef talks

By GFM Network News May 22, 2017

Chicago | Reuters — Talks on restarting U.S. beef exports to China are moving fast and final details should be in place by early June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Friday, allowing U.S. farmers to vie for business that has been lost by rival Brazil. As part of a trade deal, U.S. ranchers […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Consumer spending favours beef market

Market Update: Food prices have been down, so shoppers have more money for beef

By Jerry Klassen May 19, 2017

The fed and feeder cattle markets continue to hold value despite the year-over-year increase in beef production. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $175 to $177 in late April. Wholesale beef prices have been surprisingly strong as beef demand continues to exceed expectations. Major economic indicators are fairly encouraging which should […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Beware of grain bloat in self-fed cattle

Feed roughage and avoid very fine grain particles

By Peter Vitti May 17, 2017

Self-feeders are both a blessing and a curse. A handful of self feeders makes life a lot easier by augering in tonnes of creep or grower ration into each one for growing beef cattle. They can also be a curse when a few cattle become victims of grain bloat. Since nobody wants to lose animals […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder cattle market remains firm

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News May 15, 2017

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$5 above week-ago levels although lighter weight categories experienced week-over-week gains of $8 to as much as $12. The fed cattle market went through a correction, with live sales quoted from $181 to $186, down from the last week average trade of $195. This weaker live cattle trade appeared […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Poultry/Eggs, Reuters

U.S., China agree to first trade steps under 100-day plan

By GFM Network News May 12, 2017

Washington | Reuters –– The U.S. and China have agreed to take action by mid-July to increase access for U.S. financial firms and expand trade in beef and chicken among other steps as part of Washington’s drive to cut its trade deficit with Beijing. The deals are the first results of 100 days of trade […] Read more

A newborn black angus calf with it's mother

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Very doable synchronization programs

Animal Health: Timing and attention to detail are key for breeding beef by AI

By Roy Lewis May 9, 2017

Several factors must be considered when deciding what AI synchronization program to use in your herd. One of the first is whether you have the time to heat detect yourself or if you want timed breeding. Cost is a consideration, as timed AI programs require more financial commitment and more passes through the chute. The three main synchronization programs I find most successful […] Read more

Daily Network News

Iran says Strait of Hormuz open as Trump sees deal ‘soon’ to end war

Agriculture groups welcome seed, fertilizer approval bill

AAFC projects tighter canola stocks for 2026-27

Beef Cattle