Checking out the Prairie Cattle Marketing Report
The Manitoba weekly auction mart report for last week shows feeder steer prices dropped ranging from an average of $442.50 per cwt for the 401 to 500 pound weights to $314.25 per cwt for the 801 to 900 pound category. The biggest drop $11.93 per cwt came in the 501 to 600 weight category dropping to an average of $413.25 per cwt, the biggest increase $7.65 per cwt was in the 900+ category up $7.65 for an average of $276.56.
Western College of Veterinary Medicine sees strong interest in the program
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in Saskatoon is training more students to work in large animal practices in rural areas.
The Prairies are facing a lack of large animal vets in rural areas as we start to see more veterinarians now reaching retirement.
Saskatchewan is increasing its annual investment to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine by $667 thousand dollars to $13.2 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
There's a growing optimism in the pork industry
The last few years have been challenging for the pork sector with higher interest rates, lower hog prices, global instability cutting into export demand, and higher feed prices.
The General Manager for Manitoba Pork Cam Dahl says we are coming through that, adding that things are looking up for the pork industry.
"We're seeing support for demand, we are seeing a reduction in input costs. So things are looking much better now, than they were a couple of years ago."
Agri-Food exports to Vietnam grow 227 per cent
Saskatchewan has already surpassed its 2030 Growth Plan target of $20 billion in agri-food exports hitting $20.2 billion in 2023.
Vietnam is among the countries increasing their investment in Saskatchewan products.
In 2023, agri-food exports to Vietnam were reported to be worth $46 million, that marks a 227 percent increase into the country, going from $3.7 million in 2022.
The province says the most significant increase in value came from the export of non-durum wheat which skyrocketed to $40.6 million from $3.7 million the previous year.
Prairie Auction Marts see an increase in volumes
It was a busy week at auction marts across the Prairies with more animals moving to town.
The information below is based on the Manitoba Cattle Marketing Report, Saskatchewan Cattle Marketing Report and the Canfax Report for Alberta Beef Producers.
In Manitoba:
The Manitoba Cattle Marketing Report shows 8,658 animals moved through seven of the province's eight auction marts last week.
Could we see another rail strike?
Members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) are in the middle of a strike vote after three collective agreements expired December 31st.
The agreements include CN and CPKC engineers and conductors and the rail traffic controllers at CPKC.
The union represents about 9300 workers, including 6000 conductors, locomotive engineers, and yard workers with CN and 3200 conductors, locomotive engineers, and yard workers at CPKC, as well as the 90 rail traffic controllers with CPKC.
Six Leaders Inducted into Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame
The Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame officially welcomed the 2024 inductees Abdul Jalil, Brian Olsen, Bruce Coulman, Grant Carlson, Les Johnston and Stewart Stone into the hall during a ceremony at Prairieland Park today.
WSA issues update to Spring Runoff Forecast for 2024
Above freezing temperatures throughout the middle of March resulted in snowmelt runoff either beginning, or in some instances being complete, over much of southern Saskatchewan.
While many areas of the province's moisture levels remain below normal or well-below normal in many areas of the province, late season snowfalls at the end of March have improved conditions.
Calving and Postpartum Nutrition for a Successful Breeding Season
As calving season progresses, many of us look forward to green spring pastures and summer turnout for the cow herd. However, our cows still have several challenges ahead: colostrum production, initiation of lactation, and returning to estrus prior to the start of breeding season. Closer nutritional management during these periods may help to set your herd up early for a successful breeding season.
Ag Tech is the focus for Canada's Farm Show
Canada's Farm Show held its official launch on Thursday.
The event presented by Viterra runs June 18th to 20th in Regina.
Over the years it has become a key event on the calendar, attracting farmers, industry reps, farm equipment dealers and manufacturers, visitors from around the province, the prairies and internationally.
The show has become a staple for many producers allowing them to do side-by-side comparisons with all of the latest farm equipment and technology on site in one location.