
Cow-calf

National cattle producer group rebrands
Former Canadian Cattlemen's Association renamed
Canada’s national beef cattle producer body is rebranding under a slightly shorter new name that serves in part to clear away any potential whiff of a guys-only club. The organization formerly known as the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association on Thursday launched what it describes as a “a new brand identity, highlighting the strong and diverse group […] Read more

U.S. livestock: CME cattle, hogs advance in turnaround from losses
Live hog futures in China drop sharply
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle and hog futures closed stronger on Wednesday as the livestock markets recovered from losses in the previous session that were linked to fears of a global economic recession, traders said. Wall Street also finished higher, after broad declines in equities and commodities on Tuesday spilled over into […] Read more

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle fall on global recession worries
Lean hogs buck downward trend
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures fell on Tuesday, following broad declines in commodities and Wall Street equities tied to fears of a global economic recession, traders said. “It’s the economy. You’ve got the fears of going into a recession,” said Don Roose, president of Iowa-based U.S. Commodities. “So goes the […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle trade at 52-week highs
New-crop feed grain values under pressure
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $2 higher with exceptional demand noted on steers over 700 pounds. Calf values were mixed in Alberta with markets trading $2-$4 on either side of unchanged; however, prices were steady to $4 higher in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Small groups of various quality characterized the feeder […] Read more

How to start rotational grazing
The best recommendations are those that fit you and your farm
After the drought last year, are you looking for a change for your summer pastures? Switching from a continuous grazing system to one that provides a rest period for the plants is one way to help plants recover from drought, while also helping protect plants during future droughts. A rotational grazing system can provide a […] Read more

U.S. livestock: Live cattle futures ease ahead of U.S. holiday weekend
Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures eased on Wednesday, as packers prep for a short processing week after the Fourth of July holiday in the United States, traders said. Packers’ purchases are expected to slow by the end of the week, to avoid having pens full of animals waiting over the […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Decline in feed grain prices anticipated
MarketsFarm – Much-needed rains falling onto most parts of Alberta have created ideal growing conditions for feed grains in the province, which has already created a slight decline in prices. “Southern Alberta has been very, very dry, but we’ve had anywhere from four to six inches of rain over the last three weeks,” said Mike […] Read more

Talking and teamwork ease farm transition
Building a solid foundation helped one family keep their footing when the unexpected happened
Shifting a farm or ranch from one generation to the next is a popular topic at farm events, in the local coffee shop and even in country music ballads. While there are many ideas on how to work toward succession, it takes a willing attitude, some give and take, and a lot of communication. Have […] Read more

Taking care of beef business
Whether you’re thinking about incorporating or wondering if you should switch to accrual-based accounting, here are a few things to consider
Beef producers can be more profitable by controlling costs and, if the circumstances are right, incorporating their operations. Two virtual presentations by BDO Canada representatives on Beef Day at the Grey-Bruce Farmers’ Week earlier this year provided participants with tips and advice on how to optimize their bottom lines. Maggie Van Camp moderated the presentations […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder cattle trend higher, favourable beef outlook
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearlings traded $8 to as much as $12 higher; mid-weight feeders in the range of 700-800 pounds were also $8-10 higher. Calves under 700 pounds were unchanged to $6 higher. The feeder market took a fortuitous bounce last week. Major feedlots were extremely aggressive on yearlings while supplies were […] Read more