Concerns over limited feed could mean early fall run

After low-yielding hay cuts have left Manitoba cattle producers scrambling to find hay to buy, some producers are starting to consider their options — including selling earlier than usual.

“I would say there’s definitely concern for sure. I’m not saying it’s in dire, desperate need today, but there’s definitely concerns of feed (shortages) in areas,” said Robin Hill of Heartland Livestock Services at Virden.

Read more: Livestock industry warns of short feed supplies

Hay yields have been reported as being lower than normal, with some coming at 75 or even 50 per cent of normal. There have also been concerns in some parts of Manitoba that producers won’t be able to get a second cut of hay.

“We have a bit more time, it’s mid-August and there’s going to be maybe some final harvest coming off some of the hayfields. But it’s getting up there, we’re getting concerned now,” said Glenn Friesen, industry development specialist with Manitoba Agriculture.

Most of the potential for hay yields is made during the first part of the summer, according to Friesen. So if there is a dry start to the growing season, as there was this year, yield potential for hay for the rest of the season is reduced. There are pockets of concern for feed shortages all over the province.

Hill is expecting an earlier fall run this year, due to the feed shortages. According to Friesen, feed supplies are getting harder to come by, with some producers already having locked in purchases a month ago. Hay prices are starting to creep higher.

Friesen thinks there will be an early fall run too. He has heard prices for cattle are good right now, providing an incentive for producers to sell. However, he has also heard of some producers who are trying to hold off on selling while they wait to see what hay prices do.

Prices were looking good at Manitoba auction marts for the week ended Aug. 10, according to Hill. There were three sales held in Manitoba during the week and while volumes were small due to the summer season, the market was steady.

“We’re selling feeder cattle at good money,” Hill said. “The future markets have been fairly steady and the yearling trade is strong.”

About 1,300 head sold this week at Manitoba auction marts. Feeder steers (800-900 lbs.) sold for $155-$195 per hundredweight, while heifers the same weight sold at $150-$184/cwt.

September feeder cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange on Aug. 10 settled up 0.5 U.S. cents, to 149.525 U.S. cents/lb.