dairy cow and beef cow

Turning dairy into beef: Shaking up supply chains

Different approaches are needed to capitalize on the value of dairy-beef crossbreds

The revolutionary ramifications of breeding beef genetics to dairy cows are remaking supply chains. That brings new opportunities and challenges. The University of Guelph’s Dr. Michael Steele got the attention of attendees at the recent Dairy Cattle Industry Forum when he showed a line of antibiotic treatments used at one farm that raises weaned dairy […] Read more

Brazilian meatpacker JBS SA’s logo on a tower in Jundiai, northwest of Sao Paulo in southeastern Brazil, on June 1, 2017. (File photo: Reuters/Paulo Whitaker)

JBS quarterly profit falls almost 10 per cent but tops estimates

Cattle prices 'above the expected level'

Sao Paulo | Reuters — JBS, the world’s largest meatpacker, posted an almost 10 per cent drop in net profits, to US$766 million, driven by the relative weakness of its U.S. beef and pork units in the second quarter, according to an earnings statement on Thursday. Still, it beat analysts’ forecasts. JBS reported a 4.6 […] Read more

(GFM Staff photo)

National cattle producer group rebrands

Former Canadian Cattlemen's Association renamed

Canada’s national beef cattle producer body is rebranding under a slightly shorter new name that serves in part to clear away any potential whiff of a guys-only club. The organization formerly known as the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association on Thursday launched what it describes as a “a new brand identity, highlighting the strong and diverse group […] Read more

Don’t wait until the last minute to order ear tags

Don’t wait until the last minute to order ear tags

Shortages, hoarding of ear tags lead to advanced orders, weekly caps

Backlogs on ear-tag orders have left some cattle producers with an ear to the ground, listening for distributors that have a supply.  The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) was alerted that a few approved RFID tag manufacturers had supply chain and labour issues that slowed production.  “(The CCIA) has been keeping a close track of […] Read more



CME June 2022 live cattle (green and red candlesticks) with 20-day moving average (black line) and December 2022 live cattle (dark red candlesticks). (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market experiences volatility

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2 higher to as much as $5 lower depending on the region. Mid-weight calves weighing 650-800 lbs. were relatively unchanged while lighter weight calves were steady to $3 higher on average. June live cattle are off $9 from their mid-February highs while the December 2022 live […] Read more

(JBSs.infoinvest.com.br)

JBS to help fund home purchases for Brooks staff

Company offering zero-interest loans for down payments

One of the biggest beef packers operating in Canada is pledging $1.7 million for a one-year pilot program to help employees buy or upgrade homes. JBS Foods Canada, which operates Brazilian meat packer JBS’s plant at Brooks, Alta., on Tuesday announced the launch of what it calls the “Homebuyer Dream Fund,” providing zero-interest loans to […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market establishes short-term stability

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle traded $2-$4 on either side of unchanged. Steady demand was noted on 800-plus-pound cattle, but calves and lighter weights experienced softer buying interest. Favourable weather and optimal pen conditions along with firmer live cattle futures supported the yearling market. Imports of U.S. corn continue to run 10-14 […] Read more

Photo: iStock/Getty Images.

Transport strains pile on drought-induced feed shortages

Importing U.S. corn not cheap

Winnipeg | Reuters — Canadian farmers say they are just days away from running out of feed for cattle, due to severe drought last summer damaging crops needed to fatten them over winter and transportation bottlenecks. The drought devastated Prairie pastures and has now forced feedlots in Alberta, the main cattle-producing province, to buy more […] Read more