Livestock price insurance is one business risk management program that producers are being told to consider this year, but there are some common misunderstandings about the program.

Farm funding and insurance materials need to be clear

Farmers are less likely to turn to agricultural programs meant to help them if those programs are frustrating to navigate

Canadian farmers are less likely to turn to agricultural programs meant to help them, like business risk management or on-farm funding, if those programs are frustrating to navigate.



CME May 2023 feeder cattle (candlesticks) with 20-day moving average and CME March 2023 feeder cattle (brown O/H/L/C). (Barchart)

Klassen: Canadian feeder market rationing demand

Demand from Ontario remains aggressive

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were up $4-$6 while calf markets traded $6 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels. May feeder cattle futures are trading at a $8 premium to the nearby March contract. The carrying charge in the futures market has encouraged buyers to step forward sooner rather than



Keep your calves a little longer

Keep your calves a little longer

Don’t discount the possibility of backgrounding cattle at home

When Tavis Peardon and Janelle Smith started delving into backgrounding calves in the field, they found some promising results. The pair of livestock and feed extension specialists with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture presented the initial results of their three-year study at the Ag in Motion Discovery Plus virtual farm show in July. Starting at an equal shrunk weight of



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market lacks buying interest

Market gives in to pressure from Chicago futures

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $5-$8 lower on average, with yearlings dropping as much as $10-$12 in certain areas. It appears buyers are incorporating a risk discount due to uncertainty in beef demand longer-term. Rising unemployment levels, sluggish consumer confidence and a sharp drop in disposable income are all factors




Klassen: Feeder market sends mixed signals

Compared to last week, western Canadian average yearling prices were steady to $3 lower while heavier replacements above 1,000 lbs. actively traded $3 to as much as $6 lower. Weakness in deferred live cattle futures, along with rising feed grain prices, caused buyers to lower their bids accordingly. Steers averaging 1,000 lbs. were readily trading