File photo of cattle on pasture.(MikeEntertainment/iStock.Getty Images)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market takes defensive tone

It’s that time of year when available supplies start to decline. At the same time, demand is limited. Most backgrounding operators have sufficient numbers and demand for grassers is waning. Ontario interest was noted in Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan, which appeared to sustain prices near last week’s levels.

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle experience weather market

For the week ending May 4, Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were quite variable and the market was hard to define. Alberta and certain regions of Saskatchewan received snow, which caused the market to trade $3 to $5 lower. However, in Eastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, feeder cattle prices were steady to $3 higher.








Photo: Stefanlinton/iStock/Getty Images

Klassen: Feeder market resumes the climb

For the week ending March 30, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $4 to $6 higher on average. Fleshier backgrounded yearlings were relatively unchanged. Buyers were fairly cautious on backgrounded heifers with some packages actually softer than seven days earlier. Larger strings of quality genetic, low flesh steers were up $6 to as much as $10 in some cases. Weaned, premium, calves were up a solid $5 to $6 on average.

Ideally, a cow’s body condition score should be evaluated and corrected right after weaning, as that is the period of lowest nutrient requirement.

Post-calving nutrition to maximize conception rates

Evaluating body condition score can be difficult and requires training

With the current price of calves, targeting high pregnancy rates should be a priority on any cow-calf operation. In addition to remaining pregnant, they must conceive early in the breeding season to maintain a 365-day calving interval and ensure a uniform calf crop. This will promote better returns for the weaned calves and profitability for […] Read more