3 minute read
From the Field
This issue is somewhat dedicated to the youth of the Charolais breed. There is extensive coverage of the CCYA Conference and Show, which was held in Renfrew, Ontario, at the end of July; as well as a feature article about the Charolais Charbray International Youth Program that was hosted by the USA this year. We are very passionate about supporting the youth, and as you can see with the number of 2nd Generation CCYA members that have participated over the past number of years, it is working. Giving the youth participation opportunities in the breed and exposing them to other young people with similar interests is the surest way to keep them involved in the breed and make them better breeders. It also gives them lifelong friends wherever they end up in life.
I am writing this near the end of September and the fall calf run is just starting. As usual, the heavy calves are commanding some very good money. Here are some early results and, as one breeder suggested, at this time of year, performance definitely pays more than calving ease. Here are some samples from my Twitter account this fall: • End of August in Ontario 23 679 lb
Charolais steers $2.99 = $2,030/hd • 3rd week of September in Northern Ontario 907 lb
Charcross steers $2.19=$1,986/hd • 3rd week of September in Ontario 10 681 lb Charolais steers $2.74 =$1,866/hd • 4th week of September in Alberta 733 lb Charcross steers $2.61/lb =$1,913/hd • The yearling market was very strong as well with many $2,200 steers coming off grass at around 1,000 pounds. • 3rd week of September in
Manitoba D1 & D2 cows selling well over $1 and bulls at $1.25 to $1.45. The market is strong to clean up the open cows or cows that are past their best before date.
I repeat myself, but take some time to sit in the auction market when your bull customers sell their calves and cheer them on. We expect them to be at our sales next spring, so show that you are interested in how the bulls are working for them and what they are receiving for their calves.
The National Show and Sale is at the Toronto Royal this year and will include the Player’s Club Charolais Bull Calf Futurity. If you have never been to the Royal, give it a go this year. Finally, Covid restrictions are lifted so it should be hassle free travel for everyone in Canada and abroad. I know you will enjoy the show and the breeders will surely appreciate it.
If you want to start a Charolais herd or expand your existing operation with some top-quality females, there are a number on offer this fall. Check out the offerings from one end of the country to the other, with many breeders showcasing their operations with cattle from the top of the programs. You will never go wrong buying quality cattle to improve your herd.
Also, in this issue is the calendar of events for all the spring bull sales. If yours is missing or incorrect, please let us know so we can have it corrected in the 2023 Charolais Calendar, if you have requested it to be there. If you haven’t been contacted by a youth member to be a part of the calendar, which is a fundraiser for the Youth Association, again please contact us.
If Robbie Chomik or I can be of any assistance in your sale participation this fall, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Helge By
Marketing Tip
Register your bull calves now, not in January when you find that you are missing DNA, or are running on lack of sleep calving. If you are going to do 100K, Homo Polled or Leptin testing, pull hair and do it early so all the information is back before you want to start building your bull sale catalogue.
Until next time, Helge
