For the week ending October 5, Western Canadian prices for grass yearlings were steady to as much as $10 higher while values for backgrounded yearlings were relatively unchanged. Calf markets were quite variable with preconditioned 650-800 pound calves trading $4-$8 above week-ago levels. Prices for non-weaned bawlers were relatively unchanged.
Klassen: Feeder markets experience stronger demand
Combining in Saskatchewan ahead of five-year average
Harvesting in Saskatchewan is in the home stretch as warm and dry conditions for the week ended Sept. 30 saw a 12-point gain to 91 per cent complete, the provincial agriculture department reported.
Prairie forecast: Widespread frost then turning warmer
Forecast issued Oct. 2, covering Oct. 2 to 9, 2024
A large, deep area of low pressure is spinning over eastern Hudson Bay. Weak high pressure stretches across the northern part of the U.S. and into the southern Prairies. The strong counterclockwise rotation around the Hudson Bay low is pushing plenty of cool air southwards across the Prairies. Most regions have a good chance of frost early in this forecast period.
Klassen: Western Canadian calf markets percolate higher
Strength in the deferred live cattle futures has spilt over into the feeder complex. Alberta and Saskatchewan placements in the lighter weight categories are down from year-ago levels which is resulting in stronger Alberta fed cattle basis levels for next spring. These are the main factors influencing the calf markets in Western Canada.
Saskatchewan Crop Report: Harvest nears 80 per cent despite rain
Despite rainfall across Saskatchewan, the province's harvest still advanced five points at 79 per cent complete as of Sept. 23. This year's pace is currently ahead of the five-year and 10-year averages.
Prairie forecast: Cooler, but still warmer than average
Forecast issued Sept. 25, covering Sept. 25 to Oct. 2, 2024
Despite a fairly unsettled pattern over the last forecast period, the weather models did a pretty good job of the forecast. For this forecast period, things should settle down a bit with a ridge of high pressure starting off our forecast. That doesn't mean that we won’t see any areas of low pressure, but unsurprisingly, the weather pattern is slowly shifting towards more of a fall pattern. That means quicker moving systems.
Klassen: Western Canadian feeder market demand remains firm
Ontario buying interest was evident in Manitoba yearling markets. U.S. buyers were more interested in lighter calves and were shopping for pre-conditioned groups of sizeable volume. Certain finishing operators in Alberta were more aggressive on grass yearlings after waiting for lower prices earlier in the season.
Saskatchewan pilot hunting program to help with wildlife damage
Landowners in five rural Sask. areas will have access to more licences
A new pilot program in five Saskatchewan rural municipalities is launching to help landowners deal with excessive wildlife damage. The Big Game Management Extended Hunt will occur Nov. 1-10 in the RMs of Livingstone, Hazel Dell, Kelvington, Bjorkdale and Leask.
Saskatchewan crop report: Combining at about three-quarters mark
The harvest in Saskatchewan advanced 13 points for the week ended Sept. 16, at 74 per cent complete, despite rain in some parts of the province. The pace of combining was eight points behind this time last year, but 11 ahead of the five-year average.
Prairie forecast: Weather pattern has undergone a shift
This forecast period starts with one of the northwestern U.S. lows slowly lifting northwards. The unsettled weather that started the week across parts of Saskatchewan and much of southern Manitoba looks to continue. It appears the low will only move out late Friday or early Saturday. Even parts of southern Alberta my see some rainfall from this low on Wednesday.