New highs for feeder steer and heifer prices in Saskatchewan were recorded last week, according to the Cattle Market Update for the week ending April 18. Prices were available in all steer categories except for the 900-plus pound steers and most of the heifers, except for the 300-400 and 400-500 pound categories. Emily Schmidt, livestock Intern at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, says new record prices were set in the 300-400, 400-500, 600-700, and 800-900 pound categories for the steers, adding the 300-400 pound steers surpassed the $600 per cwt mark for the first time. Record prices were also set in the 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, and 800-plus pound categories for the heifers with the 700-800 pound heifers averaging over $400 per cwt for the first time. Saskatchewan Feeder Steer and Heifer prices for the week ending April 28, 2025. | Source: Canfax, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Schmidt says the cattle futures market continues to support the cash market. The April
The federal government needs to do more to support Canadian agri-businesses amid new Chinese tariffs that have taken a backseat to Ottawa’s trade dealings with the US, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says. In a release Wednesday, the CFIB said new data shows China’s retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural and seafood products are affecting about a third (36%) of Canadian agricultural businesses, with nearly one in four (23%) taking a direct hit. The Chinese government last month imposed 100% tariffs on imports of Canadian peas, as well as canola oil and meal, along with 25% levies on pork and some seafood products. Beijing’s move came after the Canadian government earlier slapped tariffs on Canadian imports of EVs, steel and aluminum from China. “While the focus has been on the US tariff battle, Canadian agri-businesses have been even more deeply harmed by China’s tariffs on canola oil, canola meal and peas, as well as certain pork, fish and seafood
Drought and dryness across the American Midwest are continuing to improve as corn and soybean planting accelerates. Released Thursday, the latest weekly US drought monitor shows just 11% of the Midwest region was being impacted by drought as of Tuesday. That is down just a couple of points from a week earlier but continues a steady progression lower since mid-March when drought was afflicting about one-third of the region. In fact, drought across the Midwest is now at its lowest level since late August last year, and down from more than 23% last year. Meanwhile, further improvement is expected across much of the region over the next couple of weeks, with regular rounds of rainfall in the forecast, although not enough to seriously impede planting progress. The only real exception is the more northeastern areas, including portions of Minnesota. According to the monitor, moderate to heavy rain fell on a sizeable area covering most of Missouri, southern Illinois, central and easter
Agricultural societies play a crucial role in the province’s rural communities. They bring people together, organize and run events and improve the overall quality of life for residents in their communities. Alberta has more agriculture societies than any other province with 292 organizations. Alberta’s government is helping regional agricultural societies weather increasing costs and plan ahead with a one-time cash injection of more than $7.4 million. “It’s hard to overstate the impact regional agricultural societies have on rural Alberta. From event organizing to infrastructure upkeep, they energize folks and bring communities together. This funding will ensure our regional agriculture societies are able to keep up their good work and continue to be pillars of their communities.” RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation New funding includes $4.03 million in one-time supports distributed among the seven regional ag societies to help them manage cost pressures and allow
Key reports that farmers should watch which could have significant impacts on commodity markets the week of April 28th.
You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!
Join Ontario Agriculture