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Beef Cattle

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
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
(WPohlDesign/iStock/Getty Images)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market’s upward trend continues

Manitoba, Saskatchewan see limited gains

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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

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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
(PBouman/iStock/Getty Images)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market price discovery continues

Ontario buying interest leading Prairie market

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In last week’s issue, we mentioned there was a large discrepancy in prices across Western Canada. Compared to the third week of December, prices in Manitoba were up $8/cwt to as much as $15/cwt, while Alberta markets were steady to $2/cwt higher. This past week, feeder prices in the eastern Prairie regions were relatively unchanged […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Beef Cattle, Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market looks upward

Quality of available cattle contributes to volatility

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Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable. Compared to three weeks ago, Alberta prices were steady to $2/cwt higher while in Saskatchewan, prices were $8-$10/cwt higher on average with lighter-weight cattle jumping as much as $15. For example, in central Alberta, higher-quality 800-lb. steers were trading from $230 to $235 and 600-pounders were valued […] Read more
Once the calf hits the ground it is important to make sure the cow has proper nutrition leading up to breeding season.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Get and keep cows ready for rebreeding

A balanced ration needs to include essential mineral mix

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Last year, a record-breaking cold Prairie winter followed by a snowy spring and a shortage of good-quality forage left a lot of overwintered beef cows in dire body condition by the time they calved. Many didn’t recover during the months leading up to the breeding season. As a result, many cows were not prepared to […] Read more
Beef supplies will tighten by mid-2023 
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Beef supplies will tighten by mid-2023 

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Feeder cattle market will function to encourage expansion

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Western Canadian feeder cattle prices trended lower throughout the fall. During late August and the first half of September, higher-quality yearlings in Manitoba weighing 850 pounds were trading in the range of $255-$260/cwt. In early December, replacement cattle of similar quality in the same region were quoted at $240. Calves had a similar trend, dropping […] Read more
Fortunately, a cow herd can acclimatize to cold weather but their feed intake will increase in order to stay warm.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Increase in open cows blamed on poor diet

Start with a decent body condition after summer grazing and keep it maintained through to calving

By
Many beef producers this fall confirmed a surprising number of open cows after they brought them home. I speculate that not enough feed last winter, a record-breaking cold winter and a wet spring failed to prepare many beef cow herds for good conception rates. Fortunately, most producers now have good feed inventory, which I am […] Read more
Close-up of a McDonald’s double Quarter Pounder with bacon. (Corporate.mcdonalds.com)
Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

McDonald’s reported set to exit Kazakhstan on Russia war spillover

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Reuters — McDonald’s Corp. is set to abandon Kazakhstan as disruptions triggered by the Ukraine crisis have left the nation without a substitute for Russian meat supplies, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The fast-food giant, which exited Russia in May, banned its local franchisee from procuring meat patties from Russian […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market to start 2023 on firm tone

Counter-seasonal behaviour expected

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There were no market reports last week due to the holiday season; however, I still received a few calls from cattle producers regarding the feeder market outlook for the first quarter of 2023. The feeder market finished 2022 at 52-week highs. Steers averaging 500 lbs. were readily trading over the psychological $300 level while 900-lb. […] Read more

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