Fall run brings record cattle prices

This article was first published in Volume 3 Issue 4 of ABP Magazine (December 2023). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.

This fall was one for the books as producers saw record-high prices for cattle that headed to town, seeing anywhere from 20-40 per cent increases in prices from last fall. Producers were ecstatic to see a higher return and remained optimistic that these prices were here to stay for awhile.

Alberta Beef Producers calls for equitable Business Risk Management programming

A topic that was frequently discussed with producers was the feed and water supply heading into the winter months. Having only visited mostly northern to central auctions in Alberta, most producers in the area seemed to be ok, as they either had feed reserves from previous years or had secured enough feed and water for the winter. The feeling may be different as we head into the southeast locations in the next few months, as some producers were forced to wean and sell calves earlier than usual. There may be growing concern come spring if Alberta does not receive the snowfall or early rains needed for those who depend on spring run-off, as water sources are at all-time lows or have completely disappeared in some areas. This will only contribute to the steady decline in the national herd numbers that producers have been seeing for the past three years.

Event recap

We began this fall’s engagement session in Lethbridge at the Alberta Livestock Expo in hopes of promoting more beef presence at the conference in the future. Over the following weeks we made our way north, hosting social hours at both the 49th Annual Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer, and the 49th Farmfair International beef show in Edmonton. We were able to reconnect with many producers throughout these events and gather valuable feedback on where they would like to see ABP going forward.

If you haven’t already visited with us at one of the previous engagement sessions, please join us at Peace Country Beef Congress, or provide your thoughts through the online form.