Prairie Auction Marts see an increase in volumes

Apr 16, 2024

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.

Manitoba showed feeder steer prices ranged from an average of $451.21 per cwt for the 401 to 500 pound weights to $320.83 per cwt for the 801 to 900 pound category.

The biggest increase in feeder steer prices was in the 501 to 600 pound weights up $10.68 per cwt for an average price of $425.18 cwt.

Feeder heifer prices ranged from an average of $ 392.57 per cwt for the 401 to 500 pound weights to $246.88 per cwt for the 901 + category which dropped $12.29 per cwt from the previous week.

Slaughter cow prices D1-D2 cows were up $3.93 for an average of $156 per cwt, and D3's were up $6.70 per cwt for an average of $134.70 per cwt.

Slaughter bull prices were up $11.21 from the previous week for an average of $183.57 per cwt.

In Saskatchewan:

Canfax reported 13,188 head of feeder cattle moved through Saskatchewan auction marts over the past week, up from the 3,981 head marketed last week.

Saskatchewan steer prices ranged from an average of $424.88 per cwt for the 500 to 600 pound weights, down to $321.93 per cwt for the 800-900 pound category.

Feeder heifer prices were mixed but mostly down as compared to the last couple of weeks.

Prices ranged from $391.50 per cwt for the 400-500lb heifers, down to $303.40 per cwt in the 800+lb category.

In Alberta:

The number of cattle moving through Alberta auction marts totalled just over 35,000 head, 21,000 head larger than the same week last year.

Canadian feeder cattle exports to the U.S. for the week ending March 30th totalled 3,363 head. Year-to-date feeder cattle exports to the U.S. are 8 per cent larger than last year.

The Canfax report for the Alberta Beef Producers shows fed steers for the week ending April 12 was $249.25 per cwt a price increase of $6.02 from the previous week, setting new record highs, while Alberta heifers weighing from 5-700 pounds traded $10-12/cwt lower than the previous week.

Alberta cow prices also reported record highs as compared to the previous week.

D2 cows were up $2.86 per cwt for an average of $174.54 per cwt, while D3's were up $8.73 per cwt for an average of $162.79 per cwt.

Canfax also reported that Canadian feeder cattle exports to the U.S. for the week ending March 30th totalled 3,363 head. Year-to-date feeder cattle exports to the U.S. are 8 per cent larger than last year.

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Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.