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Fifth-generation cattle rancher aims to build biggest U.S. beef plant

Chicago | Reuters — A fifth-generation cattle rancher and consultant plans to build the country’s largest beef plant in South Dakota with capacity to slaughter 8,000 head of cattle a day. The US$1.1 billion project could help address the Biden administration’s concerns about rising food prices and a lack of competition in the meat sector, […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Steady demand supports feeder cattle prices

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged. Weakness in deferred live cattle futures and uncertainty in the feed grain market tempered the upside for all weight categories of replacement cattle. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $288-$290 delivered, steady to $2 lower […] Read more

CME August 2022 feeder cattle (candlesticks) with 20-, 50- and 100-day movjng averages (pink, red and black lines). (Barchart)

Klassen: Canadian feeder market divorces from feeder cattle futures

Timing of new-crop feed grains leads to shift

Compared to last week western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. The quality was quite variable resulting in the wide price structure; however, decent genetic and lower flesh packages were red hot. Feedlot operators were extremely aggressive on 700- to 800-lb. steers although higher weight categories were also well bid. Auction […] Read more





(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market starts seasonal rally

Ontario demand leads charge higher in Manitoba

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $4 to as much as $6 higher on average. Calf markets were sharply higher. Auction barns in Manitoba reported calf prices up $8-$10 on average with certain pockets up as much $15. Calf markets in Alberta and Saskatchewan were up a solid $5-$8 from week-ago levels. […] Read more

While lush, green pastures might only be wishful thinking some years, it is important for producers to actually write out a drought management plan. It may not be followed exactly, but it helps to bring into focus some of the issues a producer may have to deal with during a dry year.

Make a drought plan in writing

Putting it on paper helps clarify the options and takes some of the emotion out of tough decisions

I firmly believe in having a written drought plan. Droughts are nearly always extremely dynamic and can change rapidly, so while the plan will not be followed exactly, it does provide a focus to ensure accountable and proactive management. It also helps us focus on the things we can control rather than the things we […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feedlot demand up prior to seasonal rally

Market for calves 'boiling hot' in Manitoba

For the week ending April 30, western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable. Yearlings traded $8 lower as much as $5 higher. Severe discounts were noted on fleshier cattle; some auction barns reported the bulk of cattle over 800 pounds were medium to heavier flesh. Deferred live cattle futures were under pressure but the […] Read more

What to make of the Cattle on Feed report

What to make of the Cattle on Feed report

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: An Economics 101 look at what the numbers are really telling us

The most recent USDA Cattle on Feed report released in January showed the total number at the beginning of the year at 12.037 million head, up one per cent from Jan. 1, 2021. Initial media and analytical reports were calling the report bearish. This is the second-highest Jan. 1 inventory since the series began in […] Read more