From the Field

I have driven across most of the Prairie Provinces in the past few weeks and the moisture conditions across the south are sure a lot better than they have been for a number of years. After the last few years of drought in some areas, let’s hope the moisture continues and we can get back to good growing conditions. There is still a large area that needs an early spring to make the feed stacks last to grass time or there will still be some shortages. It sounds like across Eastern Canada moisture is plentiful, so although sometimes a pain in the winter with mud, it sure is nice for growth in the summer.

There were many cows from the drought areas that went to market this fall and like the USA, the cow numbers in Canada are down. For those of you that are hanging in there, you will be rewarded with a strong cattle market for the next few years for sure. Congratulations to all of you that are still here.

The calf market this fall was very good for the quality Charcross calves with performance and the market for the next few years looked extremely bullish with the cow numbers in North America down.

Some of the stats coming out of the USA show that choice boxed beef prices are the highest they have ever been for the start of January, but fed cattle prices are still not as high as they were in January of 2015. Again, because of the drought down south, both fed cattle and feeder cattle numbers will be down substantially in the next few years, in the 4-5% range. This will put pressure on the packers to buy fat cattle and the feedlots to pay up for the feeder cattle that are available.

This will also mean higher prices for all consumers of beef, including the food service industry and grocers, but the record beef demand in the last couple of years should be able to absorb these higher prices. Some analysts are predicting that in the next couple of years we could see cattle prices higher than any time in the past.

Meanwhile in Canada, preliminary estimates put the Canadian Retail Beef Index for 2022 at 125 points, +3.8% from 2021. Domestic demand is the highest since 1988.

We have some pioneer purebred producers, but the commercial producer profile in this issue is about one who has

Helge By

been using Charolais for over 50 years. I hope you enjoy the read.

In this issue, you will also see many advertisements for some of the spring bull sales. Again, I encourage you to replace any bulls that aren’t doing a great job for you with the best bulls you can afford. Half of the genetics of your calf crop is from the bulls, so don’t scrimp on what can add so much value for you. You take pride in your cow herd, so continue to improve the quality that you are taking to town with good bulls. I will restate a great quote from a producer we did a profile on a few years back, “only a rich man can afford a poor bull.”

Now I am off to do some more picturing and touring bull pens for the spring sales. As we get into the bull sales, if Robbie Chomik or I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

We are always happy to help in any way we can.

And again, all our Charolais Banner and Charolais Connection magazines for the past number of years are online for free at charolaisbanner.com. If you want to go back to read past articles in previous issues, this is where you will find them. On our website, you will also find a complete listing of all the Charolais sales across Canada and most of the Charolais bull sale catalogues and videos. We try to keep the sale news very current on our homepage, so check it out.

Until next time,

Helge

DH 40J

Raising spring born two year old bulls with the Commercial Cattlemen in Mind!

DENBIE RANCH & GUESTS BULL SALE

DH 168J FEBRUARY 18, 2023

STE ROSE AUCTION MART

Ste Rose Du Lac, Manitoba

DH 17J

HANS & MARY MYHRE Dauphin, Manitoba C: 204-648-6416 myhrelandandcattle.com @Myhre_Hans