(Doug Wilson photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Lethbridge feed barley’s spring rally muted

CNS Canada — Lethbridge feed barley should be seeing its largest premium over fall and winter months, but so far this year the market’s spring rally has been limited. “This year all we’ve seen is a $5 to $10 per tonne move higher,” said Jim Beusekom, analyst at Market Place Commodities. “So it’s pretty minimal […] Read more

(Canada Beef Inc. photo)

Limited selling, buying leave feed barley flat in Lethbridge

CNS Canada — Lethbridge’s feed barley market is sitting stagnant, as feedlots quit hand-to-mouth buying and farmers hold onto their grain. Farmers who stored their feed barley post-harvest don’t want to sell at current prices, despite relative strength, said Jared Seitz, trade manager for Agfinity at Stony Plain, Alta. “It’s not so much that prices […] Read more



(Dave Bedard photo)

Cargill moves to cut antibiotic use in cattle by 20 per cent

Reuters — Cargill, a top U.S. meat processor, is trimming the use of antibiotics in its cattle supply amid concerns among some doctors and consumers about risks to humans from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The company on Feb. 26 started eliminating 20 per cent of antibiotics deemed important for human medicine and farm animals from its four […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Buyers risk-averse on feeder cattle

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were trading $5-$10 below values seven days earlier. Sharper declines were noted on heavier replacements over 800 lbs., which at times sold for $15 below week-ago levels; quality mid-weight feeders in the range of 600 to 800 lbs. were down $8 on average. Eastern Prairie markets held value on feeders […] Read more





(Canada Beef Inc. photo)

Klassen: Fed cattle bounce stabilizes feeders

Alberta fed cattle prices jumped to three-month highs, reaching $174 over the past week, setting a positive tone for feeders to start off the New Year. Retailers appear to be featuring beef at discounted prices, alleviating the bloated beef pipeline. Wholesale prices also ratcheted higher, reflecting the improving demand. While pen closeouts remain in negative […] Read more