
Cow-calf

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle mixed as traders await USDA data
Lean hog futures turn lower
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures ended mixed on Thursday as traders awaited U.S. Department of Agriculture data on the number of cattle in feedlots. USDA’s Cattle on Feed report, due Friday at 2 p.m. CT, is expected to show U.S. feedlots held 1.3 per cent more on May 1, compared […] Read more

Vaccines are cheap insurance — don’t let your premiums lapse
Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen
After last summer’s pasture conditions and last winter’s feed costs, it’s safe to say that many cow-calf producers are facing the upcoming grazing season with some anxiety. Some are looking for new grazing arrangements, opportunities to trim input costs or both. No single solution can solve every challenge for every operation, but nearly all decisions […] Read more

Manitoba to host Canadian Simmental Association events
Purely Purebred, news from the May 2022 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Be sure to register to attend the Canadian Simmental Association’s AGM and Convention and Young Canadian Simmental Association National Show being held July 22 – 24, 2022, at Portage la Prairie, Man. Manitoba Simmental breeders have been working hard over the last few years to get ready for a first-class event and finally this year […] Read more

U.S. livestock: CME cattle fall with equities
Concerns remain over U.S. consumer demand
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle and feeder cattle futures dropped on Wednesday as traders reduced risk amid steep losses in the stock market, analysts said. Lean hog futures strengthened at the CME. Cattle futures are more sensitive than hogs to falling stock prices, said Dan Norcini, an independent livestock trader. Wall […] Read more

Drought remains a huge factor for ranchers
Prime Cuts with Steve Kay
Drought in many parts of the country, as well as higher operating costs for ranchers, took a bigger than expected bite out of the U.S. cattle herd in 2021. Both factors will continue to play a key role in the fortunes of the U.S. industry. Herd numbers declined by 1.89 million head in 2021 and […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market develops two-tier price structure
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings markets traded $2-$4 higher on average; feeder cattle in the 600- to 800-pound weight category were up $3 to as much as $6 while calves under 600 lbs. traded $4-$8 higher. The Canadian dollar strengthened on Friday but the softer tone from Monday through Thursday contributed to the […] Read more

U.S. livestock: CME lean hogs extend recovery from recent slide
Live cattle, feeder cattle lower
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures rose for a third consecutive session on Tuesday as the market continued to recover from oversold conditions, traders said. Live cattle and feeder cattle futures ended lower. Short-covering helped propel hog futures higher following recent declines, said Matt Wiegand, commodity broker for FuturesOne. The market […] Read more

Cows on the Planet aims to inform public about beef production
News Roundup from the May 2022 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Cows on the Planet is a new podcast series designed to present balanced, science-based information on beef production, environmental issues and related topics to consumers. Dr. Kim Stanford, University of Lethbridge livestock pathogen researcher; Dr. Tim McAllister, one of Agriculture Canada’s leading ruminant nutritionists and microbiologists at Lethbridge; and David Hill, University of Lethbridge, have […] Read more

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle futures bounce from losses
Chicago lean hogs also rebound; August feeder cattle lower
Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures ended higher on Monday in a rebound from recent losses, while feeder cattle futures stumbled under pressure from rising costs for grains used for livestock feed. Live cattle were technically oversold and due for a bounce, brokers said. Futures were also due to rally because […] Read more

Lupines and crooked calves
If you’ve seen birth defects such as fused joints, crooked legs or cleft palates in your newborn calves, toxic plants could be the culprits
Lupine calves” or “crooked calves” are an example of what can happen when various plant toxins are ingested by a pregnant cow at a certain stage of pregnancy. Lupines, also known as bluebonnets, are legumes. As legumes, they can enrich nitrogen-poor soil. In Canada, at least 28 species have been recognized, mostly in Western Canada. […] Read more