File photo of cattle on feed near Champion, Alta., about 75 km north of Lethbridge. (James_Gabbert/iStock/Getty Images)

Klassen: Cattle producers anxious about 2024

No sales the first week of 2024 as markets assess inventory, plan strategy

The holiday break for the cattle market is analogous to an the intermission between periods of hockey game. Feedlot operators assess inventory and to focus on the market structure. They’re planning their purchase strategy for the next couple months.






A new report commissioned by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute says animal agriculture in Canada produces $90 billion in sales, 164,000 direct jobs and roughly two-and-a-half times that in indirect jobs.

Getting schooled on animal agriculture

CAPI report looks to set firmer animal agriculture background for policymakers

Glacier FarmMedia – A new report commissioned by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) seeks to educate policymakers about the impact of animal agriculture at economic, social and environmental levels. […] Read more


(Sierrarat/iStock/Getty Images)

Klassen: Feeder market quiets at year-end

Feeding margins have moved into negative territory, setting a negative tone for replacements

The last full week of 2023 was characterized by lower volumes and limited buying interest. Feedlot operators don’t want to weigh down schedules of hired hands over the holidays. Many auction barns were closed for the season while some held bred cows and bred heifer sales.