What We’re Reading | A flood of American cattle is coming north — but the tide may turn

Alberta usually exports cattle but a quarter of a million U.S. cows a year are coming to Western Canada

By Jennifer Blair, Alberta Farmer Express

Alberta feeder cattle imports have exploded, reaching highs not seen since the early 2000s.

But feedlot operators are still struggling to turn a profit, and adding to their woes, the surge in American cattle may soon slow.

“We were barely importing any feeders four or five years ago,” said Brian Perillat, manager of Canfax. “We went from 15,000 to 20,000 head a year to about 260,000 in the last couple years of importing feeders, mostly into Western Canada.

“There’s been phenomenal growth here.”

It’s also a dramatic change.

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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.

Photo: Alberta Cattle Feeders Association