(HLS.ca/virden)

Auction mart report for the week of April 5, 2024

Regional market analysis, courtesy of Heartland Livestock in Virden. Man.

Heartland Livestock saw 1,786 cattle through the auction mart this week in Virden, Man. Prices were lower in spots due to the avian flu taking money off the futures. We’re hoping this is a short-term trend, a bump in the road. As well, fleshy cattle and cattle carrying excess tag are being discounted. Feeders made […] Read more



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Ontario court strikes down portions of ‘ag-gag’ anti-trespass law

Decision a "decisive victory," animal rights proponents say

Some sections of Ontario’s so-called ag gag law have been struck down by the province’s Superior Court. The court ruled April 2 that certain provisions within the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act 2020 violate the right of freedom of expression under the Charter of Rights, declaring them to have no force or effect.  




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Klassen: Feeder market resumes the climb

For the week ending March 30, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $4 to $6 higher on average. Fleshier backgrounded yearlings were relatively unchanged. Buyers were fairly cautious on backgrounded heifers with some packages actually softer than seven days earlier. Larger strings of quality genetic, low flesh steers were up $6 to as much as $10 in some cases. Weaned, premium, calves were up a solid $5 to $6 on average.



Overgrazing means less carbon and more methane

Overgrazing means less carbon and more methane

Research is demonstrating the importance of legumes in a forage system

[UPDATED: April 2] Thirty years ago Dr. Bart Lardner’s research focused on production efficiency. More recently, the researcher and professor at the University of Saskatchewan says his research program has moved toward ways the beef industry benefits the environment. His presentation last November at the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association’s 14th annual conference in Harrison […] Read more