Photo: Canada Beef

Fed, feeder cattle prices in record-high range

Prepared by the staff of Canfax and Canfax Research Services, divisions of the Canadian Cattle Association

Fed cattle found substantial tailwinds, making new record-high prices in March 2023. Feeder prices in the first quarter of 2023 are approaching the record highs from 2015. Strong cattle prices are being supported by tighter North American supplies. Following two years of drier conditions, Canadian and U.S. cattle inventories were lower to begin 2023. Fed […] Read more

Photo: Canada Beef Inc.

Klassen: Feeder market remains firm on fed cattle strength

Alberta's disastrous wildfires may disrupt calf marketings

Compared to last week, western Canadian prices for yearlings over 800 lbs. were quoted steady to $4 higher; feeders between 600-800 lbs. were relatively unchanged while calves under 600 lbs. were $5-$10 higher. The market for calves under 600 lbs. was hard to define due to limited volumes. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on […] Read more


The deep roots in many forage plants significantly improve soil structure and soil moisture absorption and retention.

Forages offer protection from flooding

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

Manitoba’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre predicted a major risk of spring flooding along the Red River a few days before this column was written. Spring floods are an annual concern in Manitoba. High precipitation, heavy soils and a flat topography mean that floodwaters can spread with devastating consequences, especially when ice jams prevent meltwater from flowing […] Read more

Grafting an orphan calf onto another cow helps the calf on pasture.

Tips for raising orphan calves

With calving season in full swing for many ranchers across the Prairies, producers are often dealing with a lot of different challenges — snow, rain, and sometimes, calves that end up orphaned. Abby-Ann Redman, a ruminant nutritionist with Blue Rock Animal Nutrition, says when a rancher ends up with an orphaned calf, the most important thing […] Read more


A protective cow stands over her calf. The Griswolds’ cows crossed the line from protective to down- right aggressive, making on-farm vet calls challenging.

Mud and ornery heifer make veterinary practice ‘fun’

Veterinary Case Study: Ron introduces a vet student to the fine art of managing manure, mud and high-strung heifers

Unfortunately, not all parts of any professional undertaking are characterized by grandeur despite excruciating hours of study, diagnostic challenges and creating positive financial outcomes for clients. There are memories less rosy than scrubbed Wellingtons, freshly laundered coveralls and starched lab coats. The bad things about large animal practice often involved mud and unseasonable snowfall driven […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle supplies remain snug

Feedlots expect significantly cheaper barley come harvest

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Premium low-flesh yearlings were one off bids $15-$20 above average. Cattle buyers commented that there were larger volumes of fleshier yearlings. Cattle with heavier butter levels were discounted from our listed values by $5 to as much as $10. […] Read more


Photo: Canada Beef

Klassen: Positive feeding margins lift feeder complex

Futures continue percolating higher

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings traded steady to $5/cwt higher. Feeders in the 650- to 800-lb. category appeared to jump $4/cwt to as much as $8/cwt in some cases. Calves under 650 lbs. were up $5-$10/cwt. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in southern Alberta on a live basis at $222/cwt f.o.b. the […] Read more

Market Intelligence Update from Canada Beef: Inflation pushes Mexican households to buy more processed meats

Market Intelligence Update from Canada Beef: Inflation pushes Mexican households to buy more processed meats

Mexican households are shifting to processed meats such as ham and sausages due to the loss of purchasing power and the higher prices of beef, pork and chicken. Consumption of processed meats has increased in the last two years despite the price rise of 10 to 16 per cent registered from 2022 to 2023.  Mexico’s […] Read more


A vaccine prepares the animal’s immune system to fight infections if the animal’s immune system isn’t compromised when you are vaccinating it.

Improving vaccination success in your beef herd

Get the most out of your vaccine investment by transporting, handling, storing and administering them properly

Vaccination is a proven management tool to reduce infectious disease risks in a beef herd — if the vaccine is effective in preventing and controlling the disease and the right vaccine is administered to the right cattle, at the right time, in the right way and at the right dose and frequency. Vaccination alone will […] Read more

The Beef Cattle Research Council’s research is conducted by independent scientists and is peer-reviewed so there’s no question of industry bias.

The evolution of beef research in Canada

As the Beef Cattle Research Council marks its 25-year milestone, the people involved look back at the council’s formation, research achievements and look forward to where it’s all headed

Regular pregnancy checks, a routine regimen of vaccinations and working on extended grazing are just three of the many improvements Matt Bowman has implemented on his Thornloe, Ont. farm because of sound research from Canada’s Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC). Bowman, along with thousands of producers and the beef industry, has reaped many rewards as […] Read more