U.S. facing crucial beef shortages

U.S. facing crucial beef shortages

Prime Cuts with Steve Kay

The shrinking U.S. beef cow herd is raising more concern in the beef industry. Many observers wonder whether there will be enough cattle in the next two years to fill feedlots and beef processing plants and enough beef to satisfy consumer demand. There are no signs that producers have stopped sending more beef cows to […] Read more




Loading grain on a vessel at a Burrard Inlet terminal. (Maxvis/iStock/Getty Images)

China, EU account for upswing in Canadian grain, oilseed exports

Total exports through October up more than 18 per cent

Exports of Canadian oilseeds and grains for 2024/25 largely continued to be ahead of those a year ago, monthly data from the Canadian Grain Commission showed. Bulk exports through licensed facilities during the first three months of the current marketing year are more than 12.22 million tonnes, which compares with the approximately 10.33 million the same time last year.


Poor growing conditions this year in the EU may create a greater opportunity for Canadian producers to sell their commodities overseas.  Photo: FIle

Bearish speculative bets rise in canola futures

Speculative fund traders were busy putting on fresh bearish bets in early December, taking the net managed money short position back above 100,000 contracts for the first time in two months, according to the latest Commitments of Traders report from the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Photo: Canada Beef

Stronger demand and lower supplies boost price

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

The December live cattle futures made a low of $173.50 on September 9. At the time of writing this article, the December contract was $189. During September and October, the live cattle futures rallied about $16. In the U.S., the four largest packing firms handle 85 per cent of all steer and heifer purchases. Apparently, […] Read more






‘Don’t pay for analysis that has no influence or minor influence on the cattle market.’ – Jerry Klassen

What is market analysis for the cattle producer?

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

When I provide cattle or grain market outlooks for a producer group or specific organization, I start the presentation by asking how many of the attendees subscribe to some type of market analysis. It is no surprise that there is usually a handful of people who put up their hands. Often cattle producers will say […] Read more