

Klassen: Feeder market eyes deferred delivery prices
For the week ending June 28, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Volumes moving through the ring were limited and the quality was quite variable.

Why post-drought pasture management matters for beef farmers
Knowing how perennial plants function can help producers make better decisions
Pasture management is always important, but it is especially important following a drought. During these challenging periods, pastures may suffer and degrade, resulting in the loss of valuable forage, soil erosion and diminished fertility. Drought effects linger, affecting land and plant life productivity even after the rains return. Effective management strategies are essential to support […] Read more

U.S. livestock: Cattle futures up on higher wholesale prices, buying interest
Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures ended higher on Friday under support from stronger wholesale boxed beef prices and buying interest, though concerns over waning consumer demand for beef continued to linger over the market, analysts said.

Canada Beef keeps its foot on the gas with market development
Keeping up with Canada Beef: From the June 2025 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
With the recent Canadian election now behind us and trade discussions set to resume between Canada and the U.S., Canada Beef remains focused on its mandate: to continually respond to the needs of our stakeholders by promoting Canadian beef, enhancing consumer awareness, driving consumption and identifying new market opportunities worldwide. More than ever, generic marketing […] Read more

U.S. livestock: Chicago hogs down on USDA report, cattle slightly up
Chicago lean hog contracts dipped as a U.S. Department of Agriculture report showed inventories slightly up. Cattle futures were unchanged to slightly up.

Benefits to farmers of testing forage seed
The benefits of testing forage seed can be long-lasting
When establishing a new forage stand that will ideally be productive for five or 10 years, producers want to set themselves up for a good outcome. Using high-quality perennial or annual forage seed that is certified — or tested for purity, germination and viability — is a good place to start. “There is a certain […] Read more

Cattle Market Summary
Break-evens, cow and calf prices, plus market summaries, courtesy of Canfax and Beef Farmers of Ontario
Break-evens, cow and calf prices, plus market summaries courtesy of Canfax and Beef Farmers of Ontario. Cost of Production May 2025 Alberta Yearling steers (850 lb) $397.94/cwt Barley 6.87/bu Barley Silage 85.88/ton Cost of gain (feed) 105.57/cwt Cost of gain (all costs) 159.52/cwt Steers 264.50/cwt Break-even (Nov. 2025) $296.91/cwt Ontario Yearling steers (900 lb) $388.87/cwt […] Read more

U.S. livestock: CME cattle futures mixed as consumer and retail demand declines
Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures ended mixed on Wednesday as market players weighed waning demand from consumers and retailers while hog futures turned higher, following a seasonal pattern, traders said.

Beef check-off rules to change in Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C.
Aug. 1 changes will keep check-off dollars in seller’s home province
Beef check-off rates in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan will change to align with the seller's home province as of August 1, regardless of where the sale takes place.

Rye silage: From the field to feedlot
Nutrition: Evaluating how barley silage and rye silage compare in feed quality
Acres seeded to hybrid rye as a source of silage for feedlot cattle in Canada and the U.S. have increased in recent years. Increased use of hybrid rye as a forage source may be driven by greater yield potential relative to conventional rye and the early harvest may allow for double cropping. In some areas, […] Read more