Reg Schellenberg.

CCA reports: Honouring Reg Schellenberg’s legacy

From the January 2023 issue of Canadian Cattlemen: Also, Indo-Pacific Strategy good news for Canadian beef sector

Last year ended on a very difficult note. The Canadian cattle community lost a tremendous leader, mentor and friend, with the sudden passing of Reg Schellenberg, president of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). Reg’s leadership and passion for our industry will be missed around the board table and at industry meetings and events. He cared […] Read more


(SCIC.ca)

Saskatchewan extends WLPIP premium rebate if needed

Rebate to offset premium prices, if above pre-COVID levels

Saskatchewan’s temporary subsidy against price jumps in premiums for the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) will continue when needed to the end of 2020. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp. (SCIC), which administers the program in that province, announced Tuesday the WLPIP premium rebate is extended to Dec. 31, from its previous end date of Sept. […] Read more

Canadian Mushrooms Growers’ Association CEO Ryan Koeslag speaks online with members of the Commons standing ag committee. (Video screengrab from Parl.gc.ca)

Federal ag supports ‘too little, too late’ for mushroom growers

Timing of programs for TFWs, surplus food purchases leaves aid out of reach: CMGA

Ottawa — Members of Parliament sitting on the committee dealing with agricultural issues continue to hear concerns over the federal government’s response to COVID-19. During the Commons standing committee on agriculture and agri-food’s online meeting Wednesday, representatives of the Canadian Mushrooms Growers’ Association raised “grave concerns” over the support CMGA members have received. CEO Ryan […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

WLPIP calf price insurance deadline extended

Three-week extension includes nine purchasing days

Cattle producers in the western provinces will get extra decision-making time this year on the calf price insurance available through Western Livestock Price Insurance (WLPIP). The Prairies’ Crown ag insurance corporations announced Thursday that the deadline to buy WLPIP calf price insurance for 2020 has been extended to June 18. The new deadline, reset from […] Read more

(File photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Saskatchewan to adjust WLPIP premiums for producers

Province also opts in to fund AgriRecovery set-aside plan

The Saskatchewan government plans to temporarily subsidize livestock producers entering the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) against its recent jump in program premium costs. The province on Thursday announced it will provide $5 million to “partially offset” WLPIP premiums, which it noted have risen “significantly” since the end of February this year on COVID-19-induced […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Cattle producers press for lower price insurance premiums

WLPIP is needed, but unused because premiums too expensive, CCA says

The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program is not functioning properly due to very high premiums and needs to be quickly revamped, says the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. “We’re having unprecedented volatility for markets. Having tools in place for farmers and ranchers has never been more important,” executive vice-president Dennis Laycraft said during a telephone town hall […] Read more

Feeder cattle outlook

Feeder cattle outlook

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

It’s that time of year when I receive many inquiries from cow-calf producers and feedlot operators regarding the price outlook for feeder cattle. Throughout March, yearling prices were under pressure while calves and cattle fit for grass were rather firm. The feeder cattle market appears to be sending mixed signals. Feedlot margins have been rather […] Read more


Understanding the forward curve in the futures market

Understanding the forward curve in the futures market

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

I’ve received many calls from backgrounding operators and feedlot managers in regard to the feeder cattle market. Prices have strengthened throughout the fall period and it now appears that potential margins will be quite snug for all weight categories. The futures market for live and feeder cattle is reflecting two distinct price structures. Discerning the […] Read more

Cattle price insurance premiums reflect risk

News Roundup from the March 2016 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

If you haven’t bought price insurance on your calves through the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) yet you’ll find the premiums a little higher than last year. That’s to be expected given the volatility in today’s market, says Bruce Viney, a risk management specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “Volatility is simply a statistical […] Read more