(Lisa Guenther photo)

Klassen: Feeder market ends year on mixed sentiment

Some feedlots becoming backed up with heavier cattle, setting negative tone for feed complex

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged, to as much as $10 lower compared to last week. Demand for heifers was suffering last week. A weaker tone was noted in the Eastern prairie regions as Ontario demand appeared to evaporate last week. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis in the range of $368-$370/cwt, down $7-$8 from last week.

Deanne Chuiko (middle) and John Chuiko (right) speak about their virtual fencing pilot at an event hosted by Ag-West Bio in Regina, Sask.

Vence virtual fence pilot starts in Saskatchewan

"We're going to just do whatever the tech is going to allow us to do."

Golden light shines through the window into Mosaic Stadium’s Harvard Lounge and onto the stage, but as John and Deanne Chuiko take the stage, the light settles on the horizon and a winter prairie night spreads through the sky. Outside, people bustle in and out of the REAL District as Agribition rages. John and Deanne […] Read more


A cow and young calf caught in a spring snowstorm in Saskatchewan. Shifting or condensing the calving season requires careful consideration.

What to consider when changing the breeding season

Producers tightening or shifting their breeding season should consider everything from economics to feeding programs

Trudging through slushy snow in April is a scene many producers know well. One day there’s a hint of summer in the air, with birds chirping in trees overhead as a farmer checks on newborn calves frolicking near puddles. The next day, the farmer is rushing through pastures as hard sleet slashes his face, trying […] Read more




Body condition is important for bulls. If over-conditioned, fat accumulates on the exterior of the body, including the scrotum.

Preparing cattle for the breeding season

Many factors influence the success of a breeding season. Bulls must be in good shape to perform. The body condition of pregnant and lactating animals greatly affects a cow or heifer’s ability to cycle and be receptive to a bull. It’s important to discuss vaccination and herd health programs, bull soundness and semen evaluation with […] Read more





Photo: Canada Beef Inc.

Cattle prices turning lower

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

I’ve been overwhelmed with calls over the past week as the recent issue of Canadian Cattlemen reached dinner tables and coffee shops. In the October issue, I hinted that the cattle market was turning over and would likely trend lower in the latter half of 2024. I always judge how successful my articles are by […] Read more

Dr. Anatoliy Trokhymchuk holding some of the equipment used to identify specific BRD-causing pathogens.

Tech for cattle disease diagnostics edges into the Star Trek age

Researchers are testing new, compact equipment to see if it can quickly and accurately diagnose specific pathogens that cause BRD in the field and feedlot

Remember the COVID rapid test? That was a point-of-need test designed to find a target and match it to a “binder” which then changes the colour if it’s positive or negative. The same principle is applied to the rapid lateral flow device test for anthrax, Dr. Anatoliy Trokhymchuk explains, which was developed by the U.S. […] Read more