After facing a third year of drought across much of Alberta, producers are getting creative in the search for alternative feed options. Here are some ideas to help beef cattle survive – if not thrive – through another difficult year. Continuing dry weather is translating into a tight feed supply again this fall. By mid-August,…
We all hoped that 2023 would turn over a new leaf for drought in Alberta, but it has proved another difficult one. Most of the province was severely impacted by the record heat in May, and while many farms and ranches received rains in June, it was not timely enough to save hay crops. The…
Alberta direct cattle sales saw scattered light trade, with dressed prices steady with the previous week at $390/cwt delivered. A few deals included a premium for 70% AAA grades that helped to firm the weighted average steer price to $233.70/cwt. Thin heifer trade was comparable with steers last week, but lacked repeatability and a weekly…
By Jeff Melchior, Alberta Farmer Express Primary producers and agriculture researchers have a shared goal: to find the best and most profitable ways to produce crops and livestock. So why does it often seem the two groups speak different languages? More than ever, science is becoming part of the language of agriculture, but a lot…
Calgary Stampede We kicked off Calgary Stampede with a bang. On July 10, ABP led the second-annual Alberta Beef Industry Stampede Summit with co-hosts Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, Alberta Auction Markets Association, Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association, Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, Western Stock Growers’ Association, and Canadian Cattle Association. Stampede Summit saw around 200 attendees, including…
The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed the week around $232.75/cwt, $0.50/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed cattle prices are $52/cwt higher than last year. Competition on the cash market was decent, with all three Western Canadian packers buying cattle. Last week, dressed sales were reported from $387.75‑389.50/cwt FOB the lot. Cattle that…
Weaning can be a stressful time on cattle operations, as calves are separated from mother cows. It’s a natural process, but ranch realities require it be herd coordinated and sped up from what would occur in nature. While much of the animal welfare research related to weaning has focused on calf stress and its implications…
By Alex McCuaig, Western Producer A generational hydrological drought is occurring in rivers in southern Alberta, resulting in water levels rivaling the lowest seen in 50 years, the activation of a county’s emergency operations and a warning from the province. “While it appears we will be able to complete the 2023 irrigation season without significant…
Alberta fed steer prices climbed week over week for almost the entire first half of 2023, with only two of 26 weeks where prices slipped from the previous week. New all-time high prices near $248/cwt (live) were established in June. However, since the beginning of July and through the entire month of August, fed steer…
Light Alberta cash trade saw dressed prices fully steady with the previous week at $390/cwt delivered. Weighted average steer prices closed the week fully steady at $232.80/cwt. Following previous large heifer marketings, heifer trade was limited last week, and a price trend was not established. All major packers procured cattle, and delivery dates varied from…
It’s been a whirlwind of a growing season, and it’s hard to believe we’re nearing autumn already. Our spring was mired by unprecedented wildfires, and despite our greatest hopes for precipitation, many of us are managing our way through yet another drought. Yet there is optimism – we are seeing historic demand and prices for…
By Murray Jelinski, Canadian Cattleman Toe tip necrosis syndrome is a hind-limb lameness of feedlot cattle that develops days to weeks after arrival at the feedlot. This disease is also known by many other names: toe abscess, toe ulcer, P3 necrosis, toe necrosis, apical white line disease, apicus necrotica, and the list goes on. The disease…