Photo: File

U.S. livestock: CME cattle soar as cash markets firm

Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures jumped on Thursday, buoyed by rising cash cattle prices and a government inventory report confirming that the total number of U.S. cattle fell to a 73-year low. CME April live cattle futures LCJ24 settled up 2.475 cents at 183.175 cents per pound, nearing Monday’s 2-1/2-month high of […] Read more

Feed grain prices poised to strengthen

Feed grain prices poised to strengthen

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

During the first week of January, Lethbridge area feedlots were buying feed barley in the range of $310-$320/tonne delivered. In central Alberta, operations were making purchases from $270/tonne to $310/tonne. The feed barley market came under pressure in December after the release of Statistics Canada’s November crop survey. Weaker corn prices have also contributed to […] Read more


Minor changes to a mineral and vitamin feeding program can make a big difference to animal health and productivity.

Changing feeding programs after calving

Nutrition with Barry Yaremcio

Cows and bred heifers require 25 per cent more nutrients after calving than during late pregnancy. Milk production peaks eight weeks after calving. Feed intake increases until 12 weeks after calving. The increased feed intake is the result of the digestive system expanding to fill the space that was occupied by the fetus and reproductive […] Read more

  Photo: Thinkstock

Sask. livestock drought program extended

Ten RMs added to area eligible for per-head payment, application deadline lengthened

Governments have expanded and extended the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program available to the province's livestock producers. Ten rural municipalities have been added to the area eligible for the initial $150 per head payment, and the application deadline has been extended to March 15.


Klassen: Positive fed outlook buoys feeder market

Klassen: Positive fed outlook buoys feeder market

Market telling producers to own lighter cattle sooner rather than later

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices for 800-pound plus cattle were $2/cwt to $4/cwt higher on average for the week ending January 27. Feeders in the 500-800-pound category were up $3/cwt to $6/cwt with higher quality groups up as much as $10/cwt in some cases. Feeders 500 pounds and lower were unchanged from seven days earlier.

CME live cattle LEJ24 on Jan. 29 with Bollinger bands. (Barchart)

U.S. livestock: CME cattle futures ease on profit-taking after 2-1/2-month peak

Lean hog futures ended modestly higher; firm cash hog prices lent support

CME April live cattle futures LCJ24 settled down 0.450 cent at 181.225 cents per pound, retreating after rising to 183.450 cents, the contract's highest point since Nov. 7. Last week's firm cash cattle prices and technical buying underpinned the market, traders said.