Photo credit: Muriel Lasure Dreamstime.com

By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

Calf prices down this fall

Nov 24, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Prices are down during this year’s calf run.

Beaverlodge rancher and Alberta Beef Producers board member Mike Nadeau says there has been a gradual decline this fall.

“Largely due to the challenging feed prices. Barley, right now, I think is over $8.00 (per bushel), which makes feeding cattle quite expensive. That is reflected in the calf price.”

Nadeau says the challenge of getting feed also means that producers that would normally background their calves are selling them instead.

He adds prices for older cattle are also down.

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“Anywhere where someone can save a little feed, they’re going to make those adjustments. But the cull cow market is very low right now, so people have to analyze what is best for their business,” he explained.

“I think there will be more culling this year just due to the lack of feed.”

Nadeau added any ranchers that may have extra feed might be looking to expand.

“The real optimistic folks, if they have the feed availability, they will, they’ll try and at least hold the herd together if not bump their numbers.”

“I think coming out of this, there are going to be some opportunities and there are some buying opportunities now,” he said. “If you have the feed, you can probably place some cheaper cows. I think the folks that are lucky enough to have extra feed, they’ll take that option.”

Nadeau says the initial payout of $94 per head under the AgriRecovery program has made the difference between keeping or selling their herd for some producers.

He reminds ranchers a second payment of $106 per head will be available in January and applications can go in at that time.