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Beef Cattle

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Lower beef production forecast drives feeder market higher

Feedlots factoring in lower feed grain values

By ,
Compared to the week ending May 6, western Canadian yearling prices were $2-$4 higher while calf values were up $2 to as much as $8 on average. The feeder market was well bid across all weight categories. Demand for grass cattle appeared to be more aggressive this past week. Yearling supplies will decrease over the […] Read more
Later calving was supposed to avoid the snow, but winter just didn't want to give up this year with a heavy snowfall in late March.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Weather didn’t co-operate for calving beef cows

Rancher's Diary: After a short labour, a new great-granddaughter is welcomed into the family

By
March 22 We’re about to start calving. Andrea put boards over gaps at the bottom of the barn wall where critters have been crawling into the barn —to block their access and stop the wind. There were sheets of ice where water ran into the barn when snow fell off the roof, melted and ran […] Read more
Grocery store spending is up from last year but the rally in retail beef prices has come to a halt.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Fed cattle market sets new record high

Market Update: Good moisture should get pastures growing this spring, while calf prices are expected to trend higher until fall

By
During the third week of April, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in the range of $222-$225/cwt delivered, which was a record high. Tighter market-ready supplies on both sides of the border along with a sharp year-over-year increase in demand have resulted a higher price structure. During March, U.S. restaurant sales […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef Inc.
Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Finishers, Livestock

Klassen: Feeder market remains firm on fed cattle strength

Alberta's disastrous wildfires may disrupt calf marketings

By ,
Compared to last week, western Canadian prices for yearlings over 800 lbs. were quoted steady to $4 higher; feeders between 600-800 lbs. were relatively unchanged while calves under 600 lbs. were $5-$10 higher. The market for calves under 600 lbs. was hard to define due to limited volumes. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on […] Read more
These two Black Angus bulls are used on the writer's ranch in Idaho as easy calving heifer bulls.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Females figure strongly in maternal bull selection

Look at calves, heifers and cows to get a better idea of maternal traits

By
There are several factors to consider when selecting a bull to sire replacement females. The bull makes a lasting contribution to the herd (good or bad). The quickest way to change genetics of a herd is through sire selection. You want that contribution to be beneficial, moving the herd in the best direction to meet […] Read more
Built in the 1970s this calf shelter still works today to provide calves with a dry place to bed down away from the wind, snow and rain.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Winter shelters have saved calves

Having protection from wet and wind made a difference, even under extreme weather and low temperatures

By
Ranchers who calve early know the value of shelter for baby calves. When my husband Lynn and I started ranching in 1967, our cows were calving in March and April and we had terrible scours, especially when the weather was wet. The pastures on this place were contaminated with scour “bugs” after intensive cattle use […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder cattle supplies remain snug

Feedlots expect significantly cheaper barley come harvest

By ,
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Premium low-flesh yearlings were one off bids $15-$20 above average. Cattle buyers commented that there were larger volumes of fleshier yearlings. Cattle with heavier butter levels were discounted from our listed values by $5 to as much as $10. […] Read more
It reduces stress and the impact on calves if they have two to three weeks to adjust to life after weaning before being trucked.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

What makes the difference during calf transportation?

Is it the trucking itself, or are there other factors that affect the health and well-being of calves?

By
Transportation is an important and inevitable component of marketing cattle through different sectors of the beef industry, but how does that trucking experience affect the health and well being of livestock? Dr. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein, principal research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Lethbridge Research Station, says whether it’s calves or backgrounders moving to feedlots for […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Positive feeding margins lift feeder complex

Futures continue percolating higher

By ,
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $5/cwt higher. Feeders in the 650- to 800-lb. category appeared to jump $4/cwt to as much as $8/cwt in some cases. Calves under 650 lbs. were up $5-$10/cwt. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in southern Alberta on a live basis at $222/cwt f.o.b. the […] Read more

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