Livestock & Production Tips

(Deyana Robova photo/iStock/Getty Images)

U.S. livestock: Hogs close limit up on hopes of export pick-up

By Mark Weinraub, GFM Network News August 16, 2018

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. hog futures rallied on Thursday, with most contracts closing at their daily trading limit, on hopes that exports to China will pick up after Washington and Beijing agreed to open trade negotiations, traders said. China and the U.S. will hold lower-level trade talks this month, the two governments said, offering […] Read more

(Haigwood Studios photo, InspireBrands.com)

Livestock, Reuters

Wendy’s sells stake in Arby’s owner

By Reuters, GFM Network News August 16, 2018

Reuters — Hamburger company Wendy’s Co. ended its decade-old ties with Arby’s as it sold its 12.3 per cent stake in the sandwich chain’s parent for US$450 million on Thursday, giving it a boost as it battles larger rivals McDonald’s and Burger King. Wendy’s will sell its stake to Inspire Brands, owned by Roark Capital, […] Read more

Risk for hyperthermia increases as temperatures reach 30 C for too long a period.

Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Be watchful for animals overheating

Animal Health: Do your best to prevent it, and be prepared to provide relief on hot days

By Roy Lewis August 16, 2018

Every year during the first few hot days of summer we hear many warnings regarding leaving pets or even children unattended in vehicles as the temperature inside closed vehicles on warm days can rise to more than 50 C. We often don’t realize how susceptible livestock are to the same condition. Many farmers and veterinarians […] Read more

Andrew Dickson. (Manitoba Co-operator file photo by Shannon VanRaes)

Hogs, Livestock, Markets

Trade uncertainty weighs on Manitoba pork prices

By GFM Network News August 16, 2018

CNS Canada –– An ongoing trade battle between China and the U.S., along with general uncertainty in global trade, is starting to put a damper on Manitoba pork prices. In Canada, the formula price used by domestic farmers is based on the national base price in the U.S. That price is determined by a formula […] Read more

Under hot and dry conditions this is a situation of pasture being depleted with no supplement food in sight.

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner

A feed strategy to help compensate for poor pastures

It’s a hot dry summer out there in many places — any grass just isn’t doing it

By Peter Vitti August 15, 2018

Western Canada is having one of the hottest and driest summers in 30 years. It might not be the widespread drought of the past, but this year’s pastures are either simply nonexistent or filled with nutritionally hollow grass. As a result, cattle performance is likely to be compromised now and in months ahead with a […] Read more

(Gloria Solano-Aguilar photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S. livestock: Hogs rise on bargain buying

By GFM Network News August 15, 2018

Chicago | Reuters –– U.S. hog futures rose on Wednesday on a mild bargain buying bounce after prices sank to a 4-1/2 month low early in the session, traders said. Bargain hunting also propped up cattle futures. Gains in cattle and hogs were limited due to a lack of fresh news. CME August live cattle […] Read more

Mom, Heather Eppich and son Joseph, saddled up for a ride.

Cattleman’s Corner, FarmLife, Livestock

Breeding season begins

With moisture to help the grass, cows and bulls head out to pasture

By Heather Eppich August 15, 2018

May turned out to be a warm month. We were lucky enough to get several rainstorms toward the end of May and beginning of June — very happy to get the much-needed moisture. On May 12 our last Bannerlane heifer calved. There was only one foot presented so we put her in the maternity pen […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Implement a good pinkeye control program

Understand how it is spread to keep cattle healthy

By Peter Vitti August 14, 2018

I’m hearing about more cases of pinkeye in cows and in their calves than in the last few years. A few milder winters might have had something to do with it — not enough overwintering face flies (that spread the disease) were killed off. Each cow or calf infected with untreated painful pinkeye (caused by […] Read more

Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S. livestock: Technical buying supports cattle futures

By GFM Network News August 14, 2018

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. cattle futures rose on Tuesday, supported by technical buying after falling on Monday, traders said. The benchmark Chicago Mercantile Exchange October live cattle futures contract found support at its 100-day moving average. The market has not closed below that key technical point since July 13. Hog futures were mixed, with […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Strong demand drives yearlings higher

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News August 14, 2018

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 higher, with quality packages advancing $4-$6. Feedlot operators shrugged off the weaker live cattle futures as feed grain prices came under pressure. Cattle brokers were carrying a full deck of orders, which allowed for limited slippage. Feedlots are anxious to secure ownership early in the […] Read more

GFM Network News

U.S. livestock: Live cattle correct higher

U.S. grains: Soybean futures hit one-month high on U.S.-China trade hopes

Pulse Weekly: AAFC forecast stands pat

Livestock