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Backgrounding feeding programs are often tailor-made to each beef producer’s situation. The rate of gain can be achieved over short-45 day, medium-90 day and longer-kept 120-day feeding programs.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Pencil out the economics of backgrounding

Working through a "what-if" scenario helps in deciding whether to feed

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As most of the leaves have fallen, many spring calves are being weaned. It’s also when many beef producers determine whether their weaned calves are immediately sold or held for further feeding. Regardless of the final choice, backgrounding calves takes a bit of homework and should pay off with increased revenue if the goals, the […] Read more
File photo of cattle on feed near Champion, Alta., about 75 km north of Lethbridge. (James_Gabbert/iStock/Getty Images)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Uncertain fed cattle market weighs on feeder cattle

U.S. feeder demand seen relatively sluggish

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings (900 lbs. and over) appeared to trade $6-$8 lower on average; yearlings weighing 800-900 lbs. off grass were unchanged. Backgrounded yearlings were also $6-$8 lower. Mid-weight calves were unchanged but calves under 600 lbs. were $3 to as much as $10 lower in some cases. Feedlot operators pulled […] Read more
Andrea gives grandson Christopher a ride on a quiet old horse named Ed.
Cattleman’s Corner, Rancher’s Diary

Opportunity arrived to help a neighbour

Health issues seemed to dominate September, as the first frost of the season arrives

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September 9 Weather continues very hot. The creek is low but Andrea is managing to keep watering some of our fields with just a trickle from a couple of our ditches. She brought Christopher Sunday afternoon and we gave him another ride on Ed. This time he rode past the end of our driveway and […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Stronger barley prices limit upside for feeder cattle complex

Feedlot operators make barley purchases, price feeder cattle accordingly

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2 higher to as much as $5 lower. A softer tone was noted on yearlings in the eastern Prairie regions. Calf prices were steady to $4 lower on average compared to seven days earlier. Quality yearling packages fresh off grass held value but backgrounded heavier replacements […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef Inc.
Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Demand fears cause feeder cattle market volatility

Barley values continue upward

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $4 higher to as much as $6 lower. Strength was noted in the eastern Prairie regions while the market was softer in Alberta. Western Canadian calves were extremely volatile, trading $5 higher to as much as $10 lower in some cases. It’s not uncommon for markets […] Read more
Research shows cows kept in proper condition in fall and early winter will have a much better chance of raising high producing calves the following year.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Cow nutrition now has huge impact on 2023 calves

Keeping animals properly fed this fall will lead to high-performing calves next year

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Many beef producers I’ve talked to over the years have improved cow nutrition after their cows are confirmed pregnant, but there still are the diehards that don’t believe they need much nutrition. That’s too bad, because sound research has proven that poor nutrition during the early/mid-gestation months can sharply reduce newborn calf survival and long-term […] Read more
Photo: Canada Beef
Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Steady demand underpins feeder cattle complex

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Compared to last week, Alberta yearling markets traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged; however, 800-pound-plus cattle in Manitoba and Saskatchewan appeared to trade $4-$6 higher. Yearling prices across the Prairies are now relatively even with no freight discounts from major southern Alberta markets. Calf markets are becoming more defined with larger volumes on offer. […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Weaker Canadian dollar supports feeder market

Weather optimal for bringing in fresh replacements

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $2 higher on average while calves traded $2 higher to $4 lower. The calf market was hard to define due to limited numbers while larger supplies of yearlings were on offer in Manitoba this past week. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed […] Read more
CME April 2023 live cattle (candlesticks) with Bollinger bands (20,2). (Barchart)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: April live cattle futures pull nearby cash feeder market higher

More feedlots switching back to barley

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Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $3 higher on average. Quality yearling packages of larger volume traded $2-$3 above week-ago levels. The calf market is becoming more defined. Larger calf volumes were on offer in Saskatchewan and Manitoba but smaller numbers were noted in Alberta. Therefore, we can’t accurately compare […] Read more

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