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*current financial status is based on time of writing (author) The final profit in this case
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Preconditioning calves still pays this fall

Pencil out the costs and consider other marketing benefits as well

By
The weaned calf market reached a peak in the fall of 2014. Since then, mixed with lots of volatility, the value of weaned calves this fall is roughly half that nearly two years ago. Many cow-calf producers who sell weaned calves to feedlots are asking if preconditioning calves is really worth it. Yes, I believe […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Producers hit with ‘sticker shock’

Market Update: Bottom of the market may be in sight in mid-2017

By
There was an old saying on the trading floor — “Up the mountain; down the mountain.” After extreme highs; traders need to prepare for extreme lows. Earlier in summer, I thought the cattle markets would start to stabilize and maybe turn around in October. However, I have to eat my words because as of mid-October, […] Read more
How calves are managed after weaning as well as transportation can play a big factor in their health risk level once they get to a feed yard.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Finishers

Determine the risk level of feeder calves

Animal Health: Knowledge of how weaning was handled is useful information

By
There are many factors to consider when bringing in calves to feed to minimize BRD (bovine respiratory disease). It is still the number one cause of morbidity and often mortality in our feedlots. Knowing the history of the calves at weaning time, distance transported, vaccination and health history, as well as upcoming weather conditions will […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Finishers, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

Major Alberta cattle feeder set to shut feedlots

By ,
Reuters — One of Canada’s biggest cattle feeding operations, Western Feedlots, said Wednesday it will close feeding operations after marketing the cattle it currently owns, due to poor market conditions. Closure of Western’s feeding operations, likely early in 2017 once its current cattle are sold, will make it more difficult for ranchers to find markets […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Lower meat prices attract consumers

It’s still going to be a slow fall for prices, although expected to pick up in 2017

By
Cattle prices appear to be stabilizing as the market absorbs the surge in third-quarter beef production. Alberta packers have been buying fed cattle in the range of $145 to $148 in August while prices in the U.S. Southern Plains have been hovering around US$120. Wholesale beef prices have also held value, enhancing margins for packers. […] Read more
Market says plan on backgrounding cattle
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Market says plan on backgrounding cattle

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Feedlot margins are not expected to improve until 2017

By
Alberta fed cattle prices dropped to a two-year low of $143 in late June as the beef complex absorbed the larger production. Cattle-on-feed inventories continue above year-ago levels, enhancing the weekly slaughter volumes. Wholesale beef prices have come under pressure and we are starting to see weakness in the retail market. Wholesale and retail beef […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

A good year to consider backgrounding cattle

Prices expected to be weakest during the fall of 2016

By
The U.S. cattle herd has been in the expansion phase over the past couple of years and it is difficult for many producers to come to terms with the recent price activity. I’ve received many calls from both cow-calf operators and feedlot operators in regards to the price outlook and I basically focus on the […] Read more
Higher production keeps beef prices under pressure
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Higher production keeps beef prices under pressure

Market Update: Slaughter numbers are down, but carcass weights are up

By
Fed and feeder cattle prices have come under pressure over the past couple of weeks as the market absorbs the year-over-year increase in second quarter beef production. Cattle-on-feed inventories in Canada and the U.S. are running slightly above year-ago numbers, but carcass weights are sharply higher. Despite the lower cattle prices, retail beef prices are […] Read more
Few Canadian feeder cattle going south
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Few Canadian feeder cattle going south

The good news is that more slaughter cattle are being processed in the U.S.

By
Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $168 to $170 in late March as the beef complex moves through a period of seasonal strong demand. While the market has strengthened considerably since the lows of $155 earlier in winter, feedlot margins remain in negative territory. Break-even pen closeouts are closer to $195 […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Good idea to contract fall calves

Market Update with Jerry Klassen

By
Western Canadian fed cattle prices have held value throughout the first quarter of 2016 with Alberta values ranging from $175 to $178 per cwt. Feeding margins remain in negative territory on current pen closeouts, which has caused market-ready supplies to back up in the country. Carcass weights are running sharply above last year as feedlot […] Read more

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