Livestock & Production Tips

A tugboat passes shipping containers being unloaded and stacked on a pier at Port Newark, New Jersey, U.S., November 19, 2021.
Photo: Reuters/Mike Segar/File

Beef Cattle, Hogs, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S. livestock: CME cattle futures fall as U.S. port strike continues

By Renee Hickman October 3, 2024

Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange livestock futures fell on technical trading as the session ended on Thursday, according to analysts, after trading both sides earlier in the day. Benchmark CME December live cattle futures LCZ24 settled down 1.300 cents at 186.400 cents per pound. CME November feeder cattle futures FCX24 ended down 0.425 cent at 248.125 cents […] Read more

Dairy Cattle, Reuters

Study indicates methane emissions from dairy farms higher than previously thought

By The Conversation via Reuters Connect October 3, 2024

To reach net zero by 2050, the UK must reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and methane emissions from farm livestock pose a thorny problem. Ruminants such as cattle and sheep emit methane from their digestive systems and their manure. Scientists are trying to find ways to reduce these methane emissions without wiping out large parts of […] Read more

Don Guilford with a group of first-calf heifers

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner

Redefining a ranch

Holistic management has made the Guilford ranch more efficient — and it carries more cattle

By Heather Smith Thomas October 2, 2024

Don and Diane Guilford have been practicing holistic management on their 1,200-acre ranch near Clearwater, Man. since the early 1980s. Don is the third generation of his family in that region and says holistic management has made a big difference in his success as a farmer. He took his first course with Allan Savory at […] Read more

Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Western Canadian calf markets percolate higher

By Jerry Klassen October 1, 2024

Strength in the deferred live cattle futures has spilt over into the feeder complex. Alberta and Saskatchewan placements in the lighter weight categories are down from year-ago levels which is resulting in stronger Alberta fed cattle basis levels for next spring. These are the main factors influencing the calf markets in Western Canada.

Beef Cattle, Hogs, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S. livestock: CME lean hog, live cattle futures end mostly lower

By Julie Ingwersen September 28, 2024

Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures closed mostly lower on Friday, pressured by government data showing the U.S. hog herd expended two per cent during the last quarter as well as worries about a potential strike at U.S. ports next week, analysts said. Some 45,000 union workers could walk off the […] Read more

The doses are intended for those most exposed to the virus, such as poultry farm workers and veterinarians. Photo: branex/iStock/Getty Images

Livestock, Reuters

U.S. farmers call for vaccine option to fight bird flu as wildfowl migration begins

By Leah Douglas, Reuters, Tom Polansek September 27, 2024

U.S. farmers are increasing pressure to allow vaccinations for chickens, turkeys and cows to protect them from bird flu infections that have devastated flocks for three years,

Beef Cattle, Hogs, Livestock, Reuters

China agriculture ministry to steady beef and dairy output, aid farmers

By Reuters September 26, 2024

China's agriculture ministry said on Thursday it would stabilize beef and dairy production, shore up consumption and assist farmers as falling prices force small producers out of business.

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Western Canadian feeder market demand remains firm

By Jerry Klassen September 24, 2024

Ontario buying interest was evident in Manitoba yearling markets. U.S. buyers were more interested in lighter calves and were shopping for pre-conditioned groups of sizeable volume. Certain finishing operators in Alberta were more aggressive on grass yearlings after waiting for lower prices earlier in the season.

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

It’s not too late to creep-feed spring calves

Better Bunks and Pastures: Analysis says this could be a highly profitable year to creep-feed calves

By Peter Vitti September 23, 2024

A friend of mine operates a 300-cow-calf operation. This year, he put out his creep feeders during the end of July and his March-born calves really haven’t eaten much creep-feed in the last month. That’s because his pastures are still lush and his cows are milking well. He joked that he is ready to lock […] Read more

Livestock, News

Beef cow, replacement heifer numbers suggest producers aren’t ready to grow herds: FCC

By Geralyn Wichers September 17, 2024

Beef cattle prices have trended above the five-year average, but low numbers of replacement heifers and beef cows suggests producers aren't ready to grow cattle herds.

Daily Network News

Trump tells farmers that tractor companies should lower prices

Get farmers in on federal water security strategy planning, CFA says

U.S. finalizes biofuel blending quotas for 2026-27, cuts RINS for foreign feedstocks

Livestock