Beef Cattle & Production Tips

Klassen: Larger supplies of backgrounded cattle weigh on feeder complex

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News February 7, 2023

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $3 lower. Calf prices were quoted $5 lower to $3 higher. Backgrounded cattle appeared to have a softer tone as more numbers come on the market. Usually, the bulk of the volume for backgrounded cattle are animals over 850 lbs. However, this year, the […] Read more

Veterinarian Susie Lutz uses her arms to manually help dilate or stretch the vulva and vagina of this cow that is about to give birth.

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Tips on when and how to check a cow when calving

It’s a combination of art and science to know when to assist in a birth without being too forceful

By Heather Smith Thomas February 2, 2023

Most cows and heifers near calving progress normally through the three stages of labour: early labour, active labour with abdominal straining, and expulsion of the placenta after delivery of the calf. Uterine contractions in early labour get the calf aimed toward the birth canal, the cervix dilates, and the calf starts through. The water sac […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

Beef consumption to rise in China, JBS predicts

China seen as more competitive in domestic chicken, pork markets

By GFM Network News February 1, 2023

Sao Paulo | Reuters — Demand for beef in China is expected to rise as the country still has relatively low per capita consumption, Gilberto Tomazoni, chief executive of JBS SA, said on Wednesday during a business conference. He said Brazil and the U.S., where JBS has meat facilities, are well positioned to meet China’s […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market percolates higher amid finicky buyers

Ontario feedlots bring demand for West's calves

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News February 1, 2023

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $4 higher on average. Certain pockets in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan had steer calves up $4-$8 from week-ago levels. Alberta values were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier on all weight categories. Steady demand was noted from Ontario feedlots for calves while Alberta […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Reuters

U.S. beef cow herd falls to lowest level since 1962, USDA says

Last year saw record cull, Rabobank reports

By Tom Polansek, GFM Network News January 31, 2023

Chicago | Reuters — The U.S. beef cow herd dropped to its lowest level since 1962, U.S. Department of Agriculture data showed on Tuesday, after a severe drought raised costs for livestock feed. Ranchers increasingly sent cows to slaughter last year, instead of keeping them to reproduce, as dry weather reduced the amount of pasture […] Read more

The Tipperary cattle station runs primarily Brahman cattle that can handle high heat and low nutrition fodder in the dry season and humid conditions in the wet. Most are sold to markets in Indonesia and Vietnam.

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Producing beef over a million acres

It’s a good year for producing cattle in Australia’s Northern Territory

By Chris Mccullough January 30, 2023

There’s no doubt about it — the ongoing increase in beef prices has been a welcome boost to the coffers of the Tipperary Group of cattle stations in Australia’s Northern Territory. However, general manager David Connolly knows he can’t rest on his laurels as the situation could change at any time if market dynamics follow […] Read more

File photo of a cow grazing near Leader, Sask., about 85 km south of Kindersley. (James_Gabbert/iStock/Getty Images)

Beef Cattle, Pasture, Weather

Saskatchewan holds Crown grazing rents at last year’s levels

Also, leaseholders on drought-downgraded land eligible for rate cut

By Dave Bedard, GFM Network News January 26, 2023

Cattle producers leasing Crown land for grazing in Saskatchewan won’t see a rate hike this year and may be eligible for a significant rate cut. The provincial government announced Wednesday it has frozen the rates charged to producers who lease Crown grazing land in 2023 at their 2022 level. The freeze will apply to all […] Read more

Once the calf is in position, begin pulling slowly. This gives the cervix time to fully dilate as buttocks and hips start through. Traction should be applied on one hind leg at a time until its stifle has been drawn over the brim of the cow’s pelvis.

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Important tips on birthing backward calves

You need to confirm their actual position before you start pulling

By Heather Smith Thomas January 24, 2023

Most calves are born head first, front feet extended, but a few are positioned backward and may not survive unless you are there to help with delivery. The backward calf usually suffocates because his head is still inside the cow when his umbilical cord breaks or pinches off as his midsection comes through the cow’s […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market’s upward trend continues

Manitoba, Saskatchewan see limited gains

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News January 24, 2023

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$3/cwt higher on average. Southern Alberta appeared to lead Western Canada. Prices in the Lethbridge area were up $8/cwt to as much as $15/cwt from week-ago levels. Major operations have liquidated a significant amount fed cattle and become more current with production. There was a […] Read more

The U.S. beef cow slaughter is projected to reach up to 3.900 million head, up from 2021.

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Cow-calf producers have opportunity for expansion

Calf prices expected to remain strong for at least two years, and perhaps three

By Jerry Klassen January 23, 2023

Throughout the fall, I received many inquiries from cow-calf producers regarding herd expansion. During the latter half of November, good bred cows and higher-quality bred heifers were trading in the range of $1,800-$2,200 in central and southern Alberta. Younger cow-calf pairs were selling in the range of $1,600-$2,100 in the same regions. With current prices […] Read more

GFM Network News

U.S. livestock: Cattle futures gain on higher beef values, tight supplies

Mail strike disrupts grain sample delivery

U.S. grains: Soybeans tick up as market weighs crops, U.S.-China ties

Beef Cattle