(Submitted photo/BeefResearch.ca)

By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Roundup

Agriculture Roundup for Thursday October 18, 2019

Oct 17, 2019 | 10:49 AM

Saskatchewan feeder cattle prices were higher last week.

Every weight category saw improvement with the biggest increase in the 300 to 400 pound and 400 to 500 pound weight classes. Both were more than $7.00 per hundredweight higher.

Feeder heifer bids were up in all weight classes. The biggest gain was $8.60 per hundredweight for 300 to 400 pound heifers.

Provincial cattle specialist Leah Clark said the same factors continue to push up feeder cattle prices.

“I feel like a stuck record here,” Clark said. “But we have the same indicators around that are favourable to prices for feeder cattle. This includes lower barley prices, increases in the futures both nearby and further out and a nice positive Saskatchewan basis.”

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Canfax reported roughly 14,300 head of cattle were sold at auction up from 10,000 head the previous week.

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Veterinary Technicians are being recognized for the important work they do.

Provincial agriculture minister David Marit said their contribution ensures animal health.

“Whether they are running tests, taking samples, assisting the veterinarian or simply helping a distressed and injured animal, veterinary technologists are essential to the health and welfare of Saskatchewan’s livestock, pets and other animals,” Marit said. “Everyone from producers to pet owners appreciates the work of veterinary technologists.”

The proclamation of Veterinary Technician Week is supported by the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists which has been representing veterinary technologists in the province since 1984.

There are more than 530 registered vet techs working in the province in a variety of settings, such as veterinary clinics, livestock operations, the provincial and federal governments, and veterinary pharmaceutical and supply companies.

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With the federal election just a few days away, Team Alberta said it is disappointed in the lack of dialogue from Canada’s major federal parties on global trade, as well as a number of other key farm-gate issues.

Despite the market uncertainty that farmers have been facing as a result of major trade disputes, trade has not been prioritized on the campaign trail by any major party.

Team Alberta said in a news release Canada is facing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers with canola imports to China, durum wheat into Italy, pulses into India and barley into Saudi Arabia.

Team Alberta is made up of Alberta Barley, Alberta Canola, Alberta Pulse Growers and Alberta Wheat Commission.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF