GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. – Strong bull prices at the Northern Classic Bull Sale are another sign of the growing confidence in the beef industry.
Prices for the 46 Simmental and 10 Charolais bulls averaged $600 more than last year’s sale.
“There’s more opportunities in the whole cattle industry right now,” said Jason McQuaig, one of two consigners in the Grande Prairie sale.
The 46 Simmental bulls averaged $3,471, while the 10 Charolais bulls averaged $3,471.
McQuaig said a renewed sense of optimism in the cattle industry was reflected in the stronger prices during this year’s sale, which was held at the same time as the Peace Country Classic Agricultural Show.
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“Everyone is excited about the cattle industry and its future. It’s been a long time since we’ve heard that,” said McQuaig of Sexsmith, Alta.
Mike Klassen of Crooked Creek, Alta., who also sold bulls at the sale, said last year’s drought held buyers back. Like other cattle producers, Klassen is short of feed for his 80 head of cattle.
“I’m trying to find feed right now.”
Jody Woytiuk of Shell Lake, Sask., wasn’t planning on taking a bull home from the sale. The Simmental breeder was delivering a bull to a Peace River area producer but was attracted to the unique genetics of a bull at the sale and paid $5,250.
Woytiuk said the shadow of BSE is finally fading and cattle producers are regaining optimism in the industry.
“I’m very optimistic. The tough years since BSE have finally turned.”
Low cattle numbers and less available beef are pushing cattle prices to levels not seen since BSE was found in Canada in 2003.
“It’s nice to see calves selling for $900 to $950 versus $500 to $600,” he said.
John Walters of Ridge Valley Colony near Crooked Creek bought two Simmental bulls and one Charolais at the sale.
“Prices are really strong. Everything is up, fats are up,” said Walters, who believes the strong prices are here to stay.
