Livestock Management
Cash prices in the United States topped $100 US per hundredweight for the first time since August 2008. Stronger beef cutouts, good packer profits, the hard winter in the U.S. that slowed weight gain and a U.S. feedlot industry that is current in its marketing all supported fed cattle prices. Futures also rose, helped by […] Read more
Livestock Management
Canfax Report – for Apr. 15, 2010
Western Producer Livestock Report – for Apr. 15, 2010
Hog prices surged higher, propelled by higher pork prices and a rising cattle market. Market ready hog supply was tight and demand was excellent. Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants rose to $57 US per hundredweight, up from $52 April 1. The U.S. pork carcass cut – out value rose to $79.51 April 9, […] Read more
Grain surplus too heavy for oil rally to pull
The link between grain and crude oil prices appears to have weakened this year. In 2008 and 2009, prices of corn and crude moved almost in lock step, linked by the ability to turn grain into biofuel, but since the start of this year they have diverged. The May crude oil futures contract on the […] Read more
Handler keeps stress low during livestock moving
Horses aren’t the only livestock that need to be trained, says a Montana rancher. Curt Pate, who teaches courses on low stress cattle handling and low stress colt starting, makes little distinction between training cattle and horses. “We’re getting our cattle ready the same way we’re getting a colt ready for the saddle,” he told […] Read more
Rally held to ignite support for BSE lawsuit
RED DEER – Lee Davis raised his cap to reveal a head of grey hair as a symbol of the Canadian cattle rancher. Too old, too tired and too broke summed up his feelings at a BSE rally held in Red Deer March 31. “Who cares anymore? You look around the room and the meetings […] Read more
Sask. producer group wants packer reopened
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan wants the labour dispute at XL Foods in Moose Jaw, Sask., resolved and the plant reopened. The organization issued a news release last week after learning that some animals had been slaughtered at the plant so the company can retain its federal inspection status. Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials […] Read more
Questions linger over handling of BSE
RED DEER – Larry Sears added his name as a representative plaintiff to a class action lawsuit out of frustration. He was unhappy with the government over damage that was caused to the beef business after BSE was found in Canada in 2003. The Stavely, Alta., area rancher was chair of the Alberta Cattle Commission […] Read more
Optimism returning, says new cattle president
The new president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association says producers understand the important role government plays to support the industry but are still suspicious of too much government. “I think since 2003 (BSE), there is a clear recognition that the government plays an important role,” northern Alberta rancher Travis Toews said March 29. “But producers […] Read more
Low soil moisture pressures feed supply
Provincial officials are encouraging Alberta’s beef producers to carefully assess their soil moisture situation this year and take steps early to ensure adequate grass supplies. Ralph Wright, Alberta Agriculture’s soil moisture specialist, said soil moisture levels are extremely low in many parts of Alberta. Without significant rainfall this spring, many areas will face drought conditions […] Read more
Pasture management 101
Budget feed reserves Sort cattle. Cull aggressively and make changes to feeding operations to avoid unnecessary waste. Establish a grazing plan Assess grazing resources and calculate needs. When calculating the carrying capacity of pastures, err on the side of caution to avoid long-term damage. Look for other feed sources Hay prices have been rising, but […] Read more
