
Tag Archives Calves

Klassen: Canadian feeder market rationing demand
Demand from Ontario remains aggressive
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were up $4-$6 while calf markets traded $6 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels. May feeder cattle futures are trading at a $8 premium to the nearby March contract. The carrying charge in the futures market has encouraged buyers to step forward sooner rather than […] Read more

Klassen: Larger supplies of backgrounded cattle weigh on feeder complex
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $3 lower. Calf prices were quoted $5 lower to $3 higher. Backgrounded cattle appeared to have a softer tone as more numbers come on the market. Usually, the bulk of the volume for backgrounded cattle are animals over 850 lbs. However, this year, the […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market percolates higher amid finicky buyers
Ontario feedlots bring demand for West's calves
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded steady to $4 higher on average. Certain pockets in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan had steer calves up $4-$8 from week-ago levels. Alberta values were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier on all weight categories. Steady demand was noted from Ontario feedlots for calves while Alberta […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market’s upward trend continues
Manitoba, Saskatchewan see limited gains
Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$3/cwt higher on average. Southern Alberta appeared to lead Western Canada. Prices in the Lethbridge area were up $8/cwt to as much as $15/cwt from week-ago levels. Major operations have liquidated a significant amount fed cattle and become more current with production. There was a […] Read more

Plan ahead for winter calving
Vet Advice with Dr. Ron Clarke
In Canada, cold weather potentially spans five to six months. Generally, December, January and February are considered cold months, although winter weather can start in November and last through late March or early April. Successful management of calving in cold weather requires planning. Consider the nutritional needs of bred heifers and cows before calving. Adequate […] Read more

Cold stress in newborn calves
Veterinary Case Study: Although Jim had prepared a warm calving shelter, he hadn’t counted on a cold snap that threatened his newborn calves
Jim came to the office to talk about the 20 Angus-cross heifers he bought last month, bred to calve in February, a month before his cows. The heifers were in great condition and Jim had a clean, warm, well-bedded shed to protect heifers ready to calve. He could watch new mothers for a few days […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market price discovery continues
Ontario buying interest leading Prairie market
In last week’s issue, we mentioned there was a large discrepancy in prices across Western Canada. Compared to the third week of December, prices in Manitoba were up $8/cwt to as much as $15/cwt, while Alberta markets were steady to $2/cwt higher. This past week, feeder prices in the eastern Prairie regions were relatively unchanged […] Read more

Contracted and lax tendons in newborn calves
A look at the potential causes and treatments of limb problems in new calves
Thankfully, most calves are born unassisted, out of sight and out of mind. They nurse independently and quickly take their position as one of many productive herd members. But sometimes things don’t go as hoped, and the occasional calf is born with leg issues — namely contracted or lax tendons. Contracted tendons exhibit as “knuckling […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market looks upward
Quality of available cattle contributes to volatility
Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable. Compared to three weeks ago, Alberta prices were steady to $2/cwt higher while in Saskatchewan, prices were $8-$10/cwt higher on average with lighter-weight cattle jumping as much as $15. For example, in central Alberta, higher-quality 800-lb. steers were trading from $230 to $235 and 600-pounders were valued […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market to start 2023 on firm tone
Counter-seasonal behaviour expected
There were no market reports last week due to the holiday season; however, I still received a few calls from cattle producers regarding the feeder market outlook for the first quarter of 2023. The feeder market finished 2022 at 52-week highs. Steers averaging 500 lbs. were readily trading over the psychological $300 level while 900-lb. […] Read more