
Cow-calf

U.S. livestock: Cattle futures lower, hogs mixed on technical trading
Traders expect this week's prices in cash market to be higher than last week
Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures turned lower on profit-taking on Wednesday, even as rising wholesale beef prices and a firming cash market continued to offer support to the market, traders said.

Klassen: Canadian feeder market jumps on USDA data
The U.S. cattle herd reached lowest head count since 1950s, trade anticipates heifer retention
For the week ending February 2, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were up $6/cwt to $12/cwt from seven days earlier. Certain pockets of Western Canada had grass cattle trading $12/cwt to as much as $20/cwt above the previous week.

U.S. livestock: CME cattle futures turn lower on profit-taking
Lean hogs also turn lower after recent rally faced fundamental resistance
Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures ended the day lower on Monday, as market participants sought to take profits after live cattle futures hit a nearly three-month high in the previous session, traders said.

Total US cattle herd drops to lowest level since 1951 – USDA
Easing dryness could encourage ranchers to begin rebuilding beef herds
Chicago | Reuters - The total number of U.S. cattle fell to its lowest level since 1951 as of Jan. 1, in the herd's fifth consecutive year of decline, U.S. Department of Agriculture data showed on Wednesday.

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
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

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

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
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.

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.