What’s behind the decline in Ontario’s cow herd?

Supply and demand, says one industry insider. Cow-calf operators are cashing in on 
good prices and exiting the industry

by DON STONEMAN

Stocker cattle and calf prices have taken a jump upwards that hasn’t been seen in a long time. Cattle feeders are raising their bids at the auction ring at an odd time, when grain prices are also high.

Calves weighing 500 pounds were selling 10 to 20 cents a pound higher than a year ago at the sale in Keady, says Jim Clark, general manager of the Ontario Cattle Feeders Association. Prices in Ontario are the highest in Canada right now, he says, and cow calf operators deserve it.

Better Farming - January 2011