(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market surges

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets experienced a precipitous bounce over the past week. Compared to seven days earlier, yearling traded $4-$6 higher; calf markets were trading $3 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels; prices for feather-light bawlers surged with 300- to 400-pounders touching the magical $300 level in some areas. Optimal weather enhanced

Rancher’s Risk and Return will be an important tool as producers consider new ways to manage downside risks and upside potential.  file photo

New calculator assesses financial risk for cattle operations

Can show how sensitive an operation is to different selling prices 
and cattle price insurance coverage levels

A new decision support tool to assist cattle producers in calculating their cost of production and risk exposure has been posted to Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s website. Rancher’s Risk and Return is an Excel spreadsheet calculator that takes an innovative approach to assessing the market price risk that cow-calf and feedlot producers continually face.