MARKETING OPTIONS 2005

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food and cattle industry representatives are suggesting cattle producers explore the wide array of feeding and marketing options available this year as they decide whether to retain or sell their calves.

The dynamics of cattle marketing, as well as the availability of inexpensive feed grain and baled forage, make it essential for producers to evaluate alternate strategies yearly. Last year's strategies for last year's calves may not be the best marketing decision for this year's calves. In addition, what works for one producer may not work for the next producer.

"Feeding calves at home, or retaining ownership and feeding them in a custom feedlot, has many advantages," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "It is important to remember that new marketing strategies must be flexible, and continuously scrutinized, in order to keep abreast of changes in the marketplace and to take advantage of opportunities."

Important factors to analyse are the availability of feed, various feeding alternatives, available financing, cash flow implications, current market prices and projected market trends. More information can be found at www.agr.gov.sk.ca and click on livestock then beef and then marketing.

"It is critical producers explore all of their options in order to make the appropriate management decision," Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association (SCFA) General Manager Jamie Blacklock said. "Saskatchewan is home to many custom feedlots with the expertise. I encourage individuals to call us and we'll do our best to answer questions or point them in the right direction. We also have a feedlot directory on our website at www.saskcattle.com that producers may find helpful."

If producers are considering the option to retain some or their entire calf crop, knowing when to market them after backgrounding, or keeping them through to finished weight, should be based on a study of the market and whatever the farm operation cash flow needs dictate.

Producers considering retaining some or all of their entire calf crop need to give serious consideration to all of the factors, and make a decision based on their own unique set of circumstances.

Saskatchewan is home to nearly one out of three beef cows in Canada. Approximately 307,000 slaughter steers and heifers were marketed in Saskatchewan last year, an increase of 65 per cent. The beef cow herd increased by eight per cent to 1.535 million animals.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306)787-4031

Jamie Blacklock Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Saskatoon Phone: (306) 382-2333