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US Trade- Steers

Live: 228.00-230.00 (NE, IA)
Rail: 356.00-360.00 (NE, IA)

US Trade - Heifers

Live: 228.00-230.00 (NE, IA)
Rail: 356.00-360.00 (NE, IA)

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August 11, 2023

What We’re Reading | Research identifies cow efficiency

By Karen Briere, The Western Producer

Forage-efficient cows maintain their back fat during winter, calve earlier in the calving season and wean heavier calves relative to their own weight, according to a University of Saskatchewan study.

Dr. Greg Penner said the study shows how cow-calf producers can assess their cows without relying on feed-use efficiency, which is a typical measurement.

“In mature cows, we’re not really looking to maximize and, in many cases, not looking to add gain,” he said recently during a presentation at the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association annual meeting.

“If we just focus on gain and feed intake, we’re ignoring the profit centre for the cow-calf sector. Most ranchers are looking for those cows to maintain body condition score in the environment and conditions that they’re out in.”

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‘What We’re Reading‘ is a quick look at some of the issues and insights Alberta Beef Producers’ content creators and editors are reading to stay up-to-date, to broaden perspectives, and to explore issues relevant to the agriculture industry.

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Cattle Report

Updated: October 29, 2025

Steers

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Heifers

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Choice Steers

Live: 228.00-230.00 (NE, IA)
Rail: 356.00-360.00 (NE, IA)

Choice Heifers

Live: 228.00-230.00 (NE, IA)
Rail: 356.00-360.00 (NE, IA)

Boner Cows

Over 500 lbs: 302.61

Canadian Dollar

$72.06   0.16

Livestock Price Insurance Index

Expiry Fed Feeder Calf
19-Jan-26 312 490 --
16-Feb-26 312 486 --
16-Mar-26 312 482 --
13-April-26 314 480 --
11-May-26 324 484 --
08-June-26 328 482 --
06-July-26 318 -- --
Last Updated on October 23, 2025