(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Weaker fed cattle prices weigh on feeder market

Rain-soaked pens sidelined some Alberta feedlots

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged but a softer tone was noted in the non-major feeding regions. Most auction barns are in summer mode and the quality of feeders coming on the market is quite variable. However, at major centers in Alberta, healthy strings of yearlings were well bid […] Read more

File photo of a chickpea crop in India. (Nikhil Patil/iStock/Getty Images)

India to let farmers sell produce directly to traders, retailers

Current system seen reducing farmer bargaining power

New Delhi | Reuters — India is to allow farmers to sell produce directly to bulk buyers such as trading companies, food processors and large retailers, the farm minister said on Wednesday. This would obviate the need for farmers to bring their produce to India’s more than 7,000 regulated wholesale markets and let buyers buy […] Read more

One of the smaller rings used for smaller livestock at the Hoards Station sale barn.

Community and economy meet at Hoards Station

The livestock exchange works to remain competitive as sales barn numbers decrease

Sales barns like Hoards Station Community Livestock Exchange continue to provide a key service to livestock farmers, both in selling their animals and in being a place for community to gather. Why it matters: Livestock exchanges provide a place for local marketing and price discovery. Sales barns themselves are a place where old traditions meet […] Read more


Strong bids in the spring have carried over to summer.

Elmira hay and straw auction continues successful record

Prices have fluctuated this year based upon availability

Sales of dry hay and straw have been strong at the Elmira Produce Auction Co-operative so far this year. One grower at the July 24 sale said he was happy with the selling price of his dry hay as well as the efficiency of the auction. “It’s our first time here, we have some hay […] Read more