As most auctions reopen, cattle industry’s future looks grim

As most auctions reopen, cattle industry’s future looks grim

The start of Manitoba’s fall run will now depend on the weather

All but one of Manitoba’s eight cattle auctions were open during the week of Aug. 18-24, with Winnipeg Livestock Sales set to go ahead on Aug. 25. Gladstone Auction Mart and Ashern Auction Mart were back in business this week, with small numbers of cattle coming in, according to one of their auctioneers, Tyler Slawinski.

Brazilian meatpacker JBS SA’s logo on a tower in Jundiai, northwest of Sao Paulo in southeastern Brazil, on June 1, 2017. (File photo: Reuters/Paulo Whitaker)

Brazilian meatpacker JBS sees gain from lower grain prices

Reuters – Brazilian meatpacker JBS SA has forecast gains of US$450 million this year related to lower grain prices, particularly corn, higher than guidance of US$340 million given at the end of the first quarter. CFO Guilherme Cavalcanti revealed the estimate, expected to primarily benefit the company’s pork and poultry businesses, as JBS discussed quarterly


Cattle markets gearing up for fall

Cattle markets gearing up for fall

Buyers to the east and west all want Manitoba cattle

Manitoba cattle auctions are gearing up for a busy fall run, with most yards around the province set to start holding regular auctions before the end of August. Prices remain historically strong, which should be bringing in some yearlings earlier than normal. Given the current market conditions, it makes economic sense to start getting the

Auction facts and stats from the year so far

Auction facts and stats from the year so far

The lack of seasonal movement in prices this year was unusual

As some Manitoba cattle auction sites get set to begin the fall run in late August, producers might wonder if elevated prices throughout most of 2023 will carry into the latter months. Brenna Grant, executive director of Canfax, the marketing analysis division of the Canadian Cattle Association, said they should expect more of the same.


Livestock auction sites prepare for early reopenings

Livestock auction sites prepare for early reopenings

While not as significant as 2021, auctions are still extending their normal dates

It’s not the situation that faced Manitoba auction sites in 2021, when the summer break was cut short due to historic drought, but some sites this year will start the fall run a few weeks early. The early start is due to ongoing heat and dryness experienced for much of this summer, particularly in southwestern

Cattle prices strong as fall run approaches

Cattle prices strong as fall run approaches

Drought in Manitoba isn’t as bad as 2021, but earlier auction openings are possible

Four cattle auction sites in Manitoba held regular sales for the week ending July 27, and two more have announced their returns for the fall run. Heartland Livestock Services in Brandon and Virden, as well as Grunthal Livestock Auction Mart and Winnipeg Livestock Sales all had sales during the week. In total, 1,125 cattle went


Slaughter prices steady to lower in lone sale

Slaughter prices steady to lower in lone sale

Manitoba’s cattle sector is still in its summer slog, with low volumes headed to the ring

Summer is the slow season for Manitoba’s cattle industry and only one auction facility was open during the week of July 14-20. The Grunthal Livestock Auction Mart Ltd. hosted its sale July 18 with 63 head, including only nine feeder cattle. “There’s almost no feeder cattle moving at this time of year. Most markets are

Cattle sales continue in summer months

Cattle sales continue in summer months

Most cattle seen headed for other parts of Western Canada

Only four auction sites in Manitoba saw cattle go through the rings during the week ending July 13. For at least one, prices and demand are still rising. Winnipeg Livestock Sales held its bi-weekly sale July 7. Feeder steers weighing more than 700 lb. sold for as much as $315 per hundredweight. Heifers weighing more


High cattle prices seen continuing into fall

High cattle prices seen continuing into fall

Strong beef demand from consumers also carried into the first half of 2023

The only things hotter than Prairie temperatures this summer were the prices for cattle during the spring run. While only a handful of cattle auction sites remain open in Manitoba, feeder and slaughter cattle continue to be sold at rapidly rising prices unseen in at least a decade. For example, on Jan. 10, the highest-priced

High prices drawing cows to market early

High prices drawing cows to market early

Values remain historically strong at limited sales

Activity may have slowed for the summer at Manitoba’s cattle auction yards, but optimism is high, with strong prices expected when the fall run eventually gets underway. Only a handful of sales took place during the last week of June, with many auctions closed for the season or operating at a reduced schedule. However, prices