(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle supplies remain snug

Feedlots expect significantly cheaper barley come harvest

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.

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?

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

Klassen: Positive feeding margins lift feeder complex

Futures continue percolating higher

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

For optimum rebreeding performance cows need a proper body condition score and also a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals. When comparing "vit-min" products be sure to read the label for feeding level. The feeding rate of loose mineral or mixed into the beef cows’ diet is between 100 – 300 grams, per head, daily.

A balanced mineral-vitamin program is a good investment

The key is to be raising healthy animals in good condition and ready for breeding

Spring is a good time to review your cow herd’s mineral-vitamin program, as nursing cows (and bulls) should be in good mineral and vitamin status that drive a solid return to active reproduction by the breeding season. In order to do so, beef producers often collect and review several commercial feed labels. Most list the […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market factors in lower barley prices

Strength in deferred live cattle futures also supportive

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings over 800 lbs. jumped $4 to as much as $10 in some cases. Steers in the 700- to 800-lb. category appeared to be up $10-$12 while similar-weight heifers were up $8-$10. Calves under 700 lbs. were up $10-$20. The feeder market was hard to define in some cases. […] Read more

Brazilian meatpacker JBS SA’s logo on a tower in Jundiai, northwest of Sao Paulo in southeastern Brazil, on June 1, 2017. (File photo: Reuters/Paulo Whitaker)

JBS to pay US$25 million in latest beef price-fixing settlement

Settlement calls for co-operation in cases against other defendants

Reuters — JBS SA has agreed to pay US$25 million to commercial beef purchasers that accused the meat-packing company of conspiring with industry rivals to restrict market supply in order to keep prices artificially high. The proposed settlement in Minnesota federal court was disclosed on Friday from plaintiffs’ lawyers representing a class of businesses that […] Read more


The three scour vaccines on the market in Canada are good at getting protection to calves into colostrum for the different common causes of scours.

How to avoid scours getting at your calves

Several factors to hopefully reduce the impact of disease development

In this day and age, when you have the first case of scours develop, most veterinarians would advise to give electrolytes to counter dehydration, other ancillary treatments such as NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory medications) and if necessary, antibiotics. If a second case arises it’s a good idea to get it diagnosed to know exactly what you’re dealing […] Read more

Once repairs were made, the new bale processor was put to good use.

Calving season begins

Eppich News: A new (to us) bale processor repaired and put to good use

We brought our cows into the corral for calving Feb. 20. It was quite cold then with temperatures ranging from -22 to -30 C before the wind chill. Due to the cold, we had to keep a close eye on the corral. Later that week Gregory had the opportunity to turn our old bale processor […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Demand surges for grass cattle

Barley, corn expected to be cheaper next fall

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Certain auction markets did not have sales due to the shortened holiday week. Adverse weather also shuttered some sales on Wednesday and Thursday in the eastern Prairie region. Southern Alberta feedlots are contending with poor pen conditions which may […] Read more

The western Canadian feeder market has been trading near historical highs.

Beef demand makes seasonal highs

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Consumer spending may decline if interest rates continue to increase

During the week ending March 18, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis at an average price of $205/cwt delivered, up $9/cwt from mid-February. In the U.S., live cattle were trading in the range of US$164-US$165/cwt, up US$4/cwt from 30 days earlier. Beef demand typically makes a seasonal high in the latter […] Read more